THE HISTORY OF His SaCRed Majesty CHARLES the II. KING of England, Scotland, France, & Ireland, Defender of the Faith, etc. Begun from the Murder of his Royal Father of Happy Memory, & continued to this present year, 1660.  
By a Person of Quality.  
Bona agere & mala pati Regium est.   royal coat of arms or blazon 
CORK, Reprinted by William Smith, Anno Dom: 1660.   

To the Right Honourable HENRY Lord Marquis of DORCHESTER, Earl of Kingston, Viscount Newark, Lord Pierrepoint and Manvers, etc.  
Right Honourable,  
IT was not upon long Considerations, but easy resolutions, that I pitched upon your Lordship, & determined to presume upon your patronage of this small review of the actions of his SACRED MJESTY,) whose hard fortunes may now demand a Subjects protection since I could not where else find a person who bears so great a name of true Honour and Generosity, nor one whose assured loyalty will make him less ashamed or afraid to own his Prince.  
And indeed (my Lord) when I looked upon these Nations, once I may say almost peopled with Nobles, and now in a great measure deprived both of her Nobility and Gentry, 'twas easy for me to find out the Prime of those remaining, which a small search told me was your Lordship; who, though you have been no whit behind the foremost in Loyalty, yet God hath been pleased to make others drink deeper in the Cup of affliction than yourself.  
But all those miseries which either your Lordship or other loyal persons have suffered, cannot come in competition with those undergon by his SACRED MAJESTY, who hath drunk up the very dregs of the Cup, and suffered more than can be well spoken; yet all with so incomparable a patience as worthily deserves our wonder.  
My Lord, you are amongst the Prime of the Nobility, which God hath yet been pleased to spare this miserable Nation; & as you are so, I could not think any person fit for the patronage of this small piece; since both your loyalty may make you willing, and your power able to protect it.  
If I have soared too high either in the subject or dedication, I shall humbly crave your Lordship's pardon▪ and answer to the first? That I was willing to vindicate my Sovereign (as far as in me lay) from those many reproaches and calumnies cast upon him by his backbiting enemies by giving the best account (that either my own knowledge or the surest intelligence I could get might enable, me to) of all his actions that he might appear the contrary of what he is represented, & dirt be cast in the faces of his Accusers. To the second, I wholly cast myself on your Lordship, either to pardon or condemn.  
But if my Love to his Majesty may in the judgements of some have strained my pen too much in his favour, I desire it may be imputed not to my intent, but passion; for the unworthy sufferings of so worthy a Prince would irritate any loyal Subject.  
My Lord, whilst yotr Lordship shall be graciously pleased to patronise this small work, that GOD would be pleased to restore his Majesty to be Patron of his Kingdoms and people, and bless your Lordship with all imaginary blessings; shall be the daily prayers of,  
Your Lordship's most humble Servant, I. D.   

To the Right Honourable, Major General Richard Brown, Colonel of the Regiment of horse of the City of- London: Alderman John Robinson, Colonel of the Green Regiment of the Cities Trained Bands: Ald. Anthony Bateman Col. of the Red. Ald. Will. Wale Col. of the White: William Vincent Col. of the Blue: Thomas Bludworth Col. of the Orange, and Lawrance Bromfield Col. of the Yellow.  
Right Honourable,  
MAlice and error are the Epidemical diseases of our time and land: so that whoever as a friend to his Country, shall presume to discover any thing of a spirit of Love or truth, is likely to exasperate not a few. That, I trust, both the Author and myself the Stationer, have endeavoured to do, and therefore must expect to meet with the hard censures and Calumnies of many, yea even of such, of whom we have no worse thoughts, then that they suffer themselves to be abused with popular mistakes, and unnecessary jealousies concerning that most Christian and Illustrious, (though now clouded) Prince, the subject of the following Book. Whose ears according to the Ephesians Hieroglyphic of Calumny) have been opened too wide to the malevolent aspersions of ignorant and illinterested persons, and are therefore prejudiced against every relation that may represent him to the World as lovely and desirable. We know Themistocles had the unhappy sat to be rendered odious to the people by Aristides, gallant persons both, but the latter under a mistake. These we pity rather than be angry at them, and desire to cure them of their beloved distemper by presenting them with this succinct & faithful History. But yet that I may not be altogether unprovided of a shelter, if the storm of their zealous frenzy should chance to fall upon me (besides a recourse to my own integrity, which janus-like will make me Tanto frontosior, quanto innocentior) I humbly crave a room under the shadow of your wings, where I question not but to lie safe. Your honours have taken a charge upon you, which obliges you to maintain the public and common good interest of this Land and City, where 
— Res est publica Caesar,  
Et de communi pars quoque nostra bono est.   
Therefore to patronise the recommendation of his virtues for imitation, and of his sufferings for commiseration, cannot be unworthy your honours, which is the humble desire of,  
Your Humble and Obedient Servant JAMES DAVIES.   

To all loyal Englishmen. Gentlemen and fellow-Subjects.  
I Here present you an History which though now you may, confident I am you very lately could not in reason expect; such was the perverseness and crookedness of these times, that no loyal subject might without danger attempt to write, nay hardly to speak the truth of his Sovereign: for a sort of men there were, who having by violence usurped his Dominions, though that they had no surer ground to maintain their unjust possession, then by scandalising his most SACRED MAJESTY and deceiving of his Subjects, many of whom had not but by such deceits converted their loyalty into Treason.  
Yet GOD I hope will now be pleased to return them to their Allegiance, and give encourragement to those who have constantly continued loyal, that they may at length once more enjoy happiness, and every man sit under his own Vine and under his own figtree; which, the GOD of HEAVEN be praised, we have now greater hopes of then ever.  
If I have in this History offended any loyal person, I am heartily grieved, I have impartially endeavoured the truth, and if I be found in the contrary, reason will easily convince me; and I shall be sorry that neither my knowledge or intelligence extended to a more narrow search.  
I think I have represented his Majesty no otherwise then any loyal person (for this age requires that distinction) that hath either heard of or know him will confess him to be; but if they will not, let them be convinced by that saying of a worthy Gentleman long time an attendant upon his Majesty, who having given me a large account of his virtues, at length concluded, That Tully himself (if now alive) could not sufficiently express his praise.  
Gentlemen, it is to you in General that I present this History, that you may see, and be sensible, to whom you have been loyal, and then I believe that you will judge that your loyalty hath found its just reward in being loyal to so just a Prince: and if any of you have suffered for him, read but his sufferings, and you cannot value your own. Yet I intent not this at all to his pretended Tavern friends; which I believe (whilst they are so) are so only there, and indeed I cannot look upon these as faithful Subjects; for how can that man be loyal to his Prince, who hath not the power to be true unto himself. Drunken Subjects, though never so loyal, will prove the ruin both of themselves and their Sovereign.  
Gentlemen, let those that are truly loyal join their Prayers with mine for the happiness of his most SACRED MAJESTY, since in his we must necessarily conclude our own, and more than ours, our COUNTRIES.   

To the Readers in general.  
Courteous Readers  
IF in this History I have displeased any person, they cannot be so much displeased as I am sorry; I have endeavoured to please all, nor have I more than Justice enforced me to, favoured any; I have laboured (as I professed) to write impartially, where I have not done so, I am confident there will not want Carpers.  
If in some particulars affection hath swayed me, (though I confess it a fault) yet it brings its excuse. What loyal subject can relate his Sovereign's sufferings without a passion? what Free born English man's heart gins not to rise within him, when he does but think of those Tyrannies & Oppressions his Native Country hath of late groaned under? where I have been bitter, it has been with reason; where sweet, with a great deal of Justice.  
Yet one thing I shall desire the Reader to take notice of, that when I speak of the presbyterians, I mean not those moderate people, who are as truly loyal as they are godly; but some amongst them like wolves in sheep's clothing (such as Straughan and Kerry in Scotland) who only pretend themselves to be Presbyterians, but are in their proof found Sectaries, these are the Fleabitten Clergy, the Sowers of strife and sedition; and a scandal to those to whom they pretend to be Brethren.  
To conclude, that all the Subjects of this Land may with one heart and voice agree together for the Restauration of our afflicted Sovereign, but of our more afflicted selves to just Rights and Privileges, is the earnest prayer of,  
A Hearty wellwisher to his Country.   

THE HISTORY OF CHARLES the II. Third MONARCH of Great Britain, etc.  
THe Histories of England's late opressours have already cloyed and overladed the exuberant Press, whole Volumes daily coming forth, either of the Actions of the late long Parliament, or the life of their aspiring General Cromwell, which though adorned with all those flatteries, that could possibly proceed from the most beneficed pens, yet cannot in the least justify their actions to the more sober sort of people; for though their memories may here smell sweet to some, who have rather tasted of their favour, then suffered under their opression, yet do they but render them to the sufferers more infamous, and to the Neuter ridiculous, like the extolling of Don Quixot's Chivalry.  
And though there have been some who have adventured to set them out to the life, and paint them in their own colours; yet have many of these as far exceeded the bounds of Truth, as the others came short of it, rather exasperated by their own, or to please their fellow sufferrers, into so great extremes have either side been lead, out of fear or flattery, anger or passion.  
Moderation and Impartiality are the chiefest virtues of an Historian, and therefore he who writs an History, should choose such a subject to write on, where neither fear nor gain can induce him to flatter, anger or passion, or to too much bitterness.  
Most of our modern Historians have proposed to themselves either profit, advantage or employment by their Works, which hath made them run into their so many gross errors and flatteries; whilst had they only endeavoured to represent things, persons and actions impartially, they had gained to themselves far greater honour of true Writing.  
I have chosen a subject to write of, which I conceive may lead me to a mediocrity, the Persons afflictions may induce me to pity him, but they will in most men's judgements restrain me from flattery. Nor need I out of fear, I being now (though unwillingly) out of his reach, mince the truth of his (if any) bad actions.  
I confess the Task I undertake is highly adventurous, my pen may slip, times may change, however my heart shall guide me to an impartiality.  
CHARLES the II. Heir apparent to the Crown of Great Britain and Jreland, and crowned King of Scots, whose History I intent to treat of, was born on the 29. of May, 1630, to the great joy of the King, Queen, and indeed the whole Nation; for never yet had England a Prince born of so noble an extract and grand Alliance, his father by lineal right & descent King of Great Britain and Jreland, his mother daughter to that thrice illustrious Prince Henry the Fourth, King of France, and worthily surnamed the Great, and Maria de Medicis. By his Grandmothers side was he near allied to the Kings of Denmark, by the marriage of his Aunt, the noble Princess Elizabeth, to the Elector Palatine of Rhine, & King of Bohemia; and afterwards by the marriage of his Royal Sister the Princess Mary, to the Prince of Orange. Thus was he allied to most, of the most potent Princes in Christendom. And happy might this Nation have been under his Government, if we may believe the vogue of that wisest of men Solomon, who pronounces that Kingdom blessed whose Prince is the son of Nobles.  
He was some years after his birth (according to the ancient Customs of England for the King's Eldest Son) invested Prince of Wales, Duke of Cornwall, and Earl of Chester, and was in his minority brought up under the care of the Earl of Newcastle, till in the year 1646. the Lord Hopton's Army, in which he was, being near enclosed by Sir Thomas Fairfax, General of all the Parliaments Forces in the Devizes of Cornwall, and the King his Father's affairs being in a desperate condition all over England, he was by the serious advice of his best friends, persuaded to take shipping, and departed for the Scillies, from whence he was by the Parliament invited to return to London, but he thought it safer for his Person to departed from thence to his Sister at the Hague, till the Royal affairs in England might gain a better posture, which he did, and there found a reception answerable to his Birth.  
Not long after the King his Royal Father, being in danger to be enclosed in Oxford by General Fairfax, who returning out of the West, had designed to block it up, took care for his safety, and attended only by Mr. Ashburnham (or as some say, attended on him) went privily our thence, and threw himself upon the Scotch Army then at Newark, who shortly after notwithstanding his confidence of them, for a sum of money delivered him up most perfidiously and traitorously to his implacable Enemies; the English Army. These, after many pretences of Treaties, and seeming willingness to come to an accord with him, on that black day the 30. of January 1648. most villaniously and traitorously, beyond the imagination of the World, murdered him.  
Thus far is a short view of those hardships and afflictions undergone by this noble Prince, during his Father's Life & Reign, we will now proceed to those he hath since ran through, which we may more properly and particularly call his Own.  
Among which the Chief and greatest, and from whence all his other miseries flowed as from their spring head, was the deprivation of his Kingdom & Royalties; For that part of the Parliament of England which had usurped the whole power or more, were not only content to take a way his father's life, but by their Proclamation, deprive him of all right in the Government of those three Kingdoms, which they take upon themselves contrary both to the Word of God, the Fundamental Laws of the Nation, and his own undoubted right by birth, he being lineally descended from that Family, which had successively governed England for above three hundred years.  
He was at that time of his Father's death, at the Court of his Sister the Royal Princess of Orange in the Hague, in expectation to hear rather of the Conclusion of a Treaty then of his murder, to which effect he writ by the Lord Seymour the following Letter to him some short time before his Death.  
For the King.  
SIR,  
HAving no means to come to the knowledge of your Majesty's present condition, but such as I receive from the Press, or (which is as uncertain) reports. I have sent this bearer Seymour to wait upon your Majesty, and to bring me an account of it, that I may withal assure your Majesty, I do not only pray for your Majesty according to my duty, but shall always be ready to do all which shall be in my power to deserve that blessing which I now humbly beg of your Majesty upon  
Sir, Your Majesty's Most humble and most obedient Son and Servant, CHARLES— Hague Jan. 23. 1648.  
And here he stayed till he heard the heart breaking news of his Father's Murder, then shortly after he took his journey to the Queen his mother in France; hoping there to get aid, but found none which might render him in a capacity to revenge his Father's Death, or demand his own right by force; and in vain it was to think of any fair means to attain it. Yet there wanted not some friends of his in England, who willing to demonstrate how ready they were to adventure themselves for him & his right, (as far as their weak abilities would stretch,) caused under hand a Proclamation to be printed, proclaiming him King of England, Scotland, France and Ireland, and advising all his good Subjects to give all due Allegiance to him; but the low condition of the Royalists then in England, and the great strength and potency of the Parliaments Army, made this Proclamation unvalid, and those who at a fit opportunity would willingly have complied with it, were forced to direct their Obedience to the contrary Goal.  
But though England proved thus defective to his interest, not so much I dare say in Allegiance as power. Yet Jreland is at his Devotion, for the Marquis of Ormond and the Lord Inchiquin, having made a peace with the Quondam Rebels, he is by joint consent both of Papists and Protestants proclaimed King in most towns of that Nation, Dublin, and London-Derry only excepted, which were kept from their Allegiance, the one by the Lieu. General jones, the other by Sir Charles Coote, who jointly strove to justify the Parliament of England's late actions.  
He being thus proclaimed there, is solemnly invited to come over to them, to which invitation, his Mother earnestly adds her desires, but the best of his friends and Counselors, as earnestly dissuaded him, upon reasons drawn both from prudence and Policy, since in probability the design not succeeding, it would utterly ruin his hopes, with all the Protestant party then steadfast to him both in Scotland and England: or that if he would needs venture himself with this party, they desired him at least to attend, whether by any good event of theirs, there might be any probability of success.  
'Tis supposed that this Council swayed with him more out of his real affection to the Protestant Religion then any other Politic reason. Yet he immediately after took a journey to the Isle of jersey, which startled some as though he had intended to have proceeded thence for Ireland, but that suspicion proved unnecessary: he was accompanied hither by his Brother the Duke of York, (who was lately come to him out of Holland) and many other Nobles & Gentlemen; the Islanders immediately upon his arrival most joyfully proclaimed him King; and the Lord jermyn Earl of Yarmouth was made Governor of that Island, who constituted Sir George Cartwright his deputy Governor.  
The King sends from hence his Royal command to the Governor of Gernsey Island, which was then wholly subjected (Cornet Castle only excepted) to the Parliaments sources requiring him to surrender the said Island to him, and that his good Subjects there might have liberty to return to their due obedience: but his command proved ineffectual.  
Many affirm, but how true I know not, that the reason of the King's removal to this Island was out of design to surprise Dartmouth and some other places in the West, by the Levellers help, who having then made a defection from the Parliaments Army in England were (say they) to have joined with the Royalists for the intents and purposes a foresaid, but whether so or no I cannot affirm; though I can certainly tell this, that were it so, it proved uneffectual, for the Levellers were soon overpowred and quelled.  
Whilst King Charles was hear expecting a Messenger from the States of Scotland, came news of the unfortunate overthrow of the Marquis of Ormond his Army, by Lieu. General jones before Dublin, which caused a general sorrow among all his followers, for there had been great hopes & expectations of that Army, it amounting to no less than twenty two thousand men, & was esteemed able not only to have taken Dublin, but likewise to have resisted Cromwell's then new coming Army in the field: yet whether by the carlessness of the Commanders, or security of the Soldiers, I am loath to judge: this mighty Army. then beleaguring Dublin, was beat from before it by the besieged, and utterly routed by the third part of its Number.  
This overthrow, the repulse of Sir Robert Stuart and Col. Mervin from London-Derry by Sir Charles Coot and Cromwell's sudden landing in Ireland, whose motion now there was no field Army either to attend or oppose, made his Majesty's affairs grow almost as desperate in Ireland, as they were before in England.  
But the Scots Kirk who had sold their King into the hands of the Independent English Army, after they heard that they had condemned him to death, repent them of their Wickedness, wash their hands from any guilt in his blood; Expostulate with the English sitting in Parliament, about their so severe proceed, and protest against having any hand in his Murder; and to make the world believe they had yet some touch of loyalty within them, they had just after his death proclaimed Charles Prince of Wales, eldest Son to the late murdered King Charles the first, and his lawful and undoubted Heir, King of Great Britain, France, and Ireland; and had immediately resolved in the Committee of Estates then sitting to send some fitting persons to treat with his Majesty about sundry Articles; before his reception to the Crown, but long debates and demurs there were in the business before they could resolve what & whom to send.  
For some there were in this Grand Committee of Estates, who, feed or seduced by the Sectaries in England, impeaded to the utmost of their power and endeavours all proceed in the business, so that once in stead of debating what or whom they should send to his Majesty, it came to be a debate whether they should send or no, but at length a Letter and Propositions was by the prevailing part concluded on, and Mr. Windram Laird of Libberton, appointed to be the Messenger, who on the 25. of September 1649. received his dispatches, and some time after arrived before his Majesty at jersey. The chief of their desires was to this effect.  
That his Majesty would graciously be pleased himself to sign the Solemn League & Covenant, and that he would pass an Act in Parliament that every person in that Kingdom might takeit.  
That he would pass divers Acts of the Parliament of Scotland, which was concluded on the two last Sessions.  
1. For approving of their disclaiming Duke Hamilton 's last return. 2. For receiving several Acts made by English for the Militia. 3. That the Kings of Scotland may have no negative voice.  
3. That his Majesty would recall the late Commissions given to Montrosse.  
4. That he would put away all Papists from about him.  
5. That he would appoint some place about Holland to treat with their Commissioners. An honourable Company of the most noble Lords in Scotland, being to be appointed to attend his Majesty, to whom likewise they would send a sufficient provision to maintain him, a train suitable to his birth and deserved greatness.  
6. That he would be graciously pleased to give a speedy answer to their desires.  
These Propositions were very stiffly debated Pro and Con, some were so fierce that they would have his Majesty utterly reject the Scots Propositions as dishonourable & disadvantageous to his affairs. Others were of opinion, that it would more conduce to the King's interest to accept of such Conditions as he could agree with the Scotch Commissioners, which would be a readier way to attain the Crown then by Montrosse his designs (who had lately received Commissions from the King to assault the North of Scotland with what force he could raise, however the business was still demurred and delayed, and no answer for a good while given to the Lord Libberton, who earnestly pressed it, till such time as answer could come from Montross, then in Holland: and out of France, touching their opinions concerning these Propositions, concerning which Montross returned answer to his Majesty, desiring him to hearken to the Scotch Commissioners whilst they would propose & agree to any thing which might stand with his Majesty's honour for the restoring him to his Rights and Dignities. That for himself he should rather be content to endure banishment from his highness' sight and person, then in the least prejudice his affairs. Thus this faithful and loyal servant courted banishment, (as the late famous Earl of Strafford had done death) for his Master's good & service, but too generous was he, and had too great a sense of goodness & gratitude to grant his request, but returned him this answer, That he had so high a sense of his fidelity and loyalty all along, and that he had performed so many signal services both for his Father and himself, that he could not in honour leave him, and therefore desired him to press him no farther.  
The Queen Mother likewise earnestly presses her son to the acceptance of the Scotch Propositions for a Treaty, as the only and readiest way for the establishing him in his Kingdoms. These resolves of his Mother and the Marquis of Montross, wrought strongly with his Majesty; yet notwithstanding they are as stoutly opposed by the lord Cleveland, Byron, Gerard, & others; whose chief opposition proceeded from the alleged Treachery of the Scots to his Father, That they were Scots still, and might practise the same upon him. But the majority of voices carrying it fora Treaty, it was resolved on, yet in regard it would require some time to frame an answer, Sir William Fleming was sent Agent to the Committee of Estates in Scotland, till such time as the Laird Libberton could be dispatced.  
Short time after Mr. Windram returned into Scotland with a Letter and instructions by word of mouth, whereby he gave the Committee of Estates (who having long expected were therefore more desirous to hear what he now brought) an account how much he found his Majesty compliant to their Propositions, viz That as to what acted to the two last Sessions of Parliament he was content a General Act of Oblivion should be passed, but could not approve it. That neither those of Montrosses nor Duke Hamilton 's party in his last engagement should bear Office in State without consent of Parliament. That he had appointed Breda in Holland for the place of a solemn Treaty, for the making a full accommodation and agreement between him and his loving Subjects of Scotland.  
The Contents of his Letter were as followeth.  
For the Committee of Estates of Scotland.  
CHARLES, R.  
WE have received your Letters lately presented to us, by Mr. Windram of Libberton, and we accept graciously all the expressions of affection and fidelity therein contained towards us, with your tender resentment of our present Condition, and the just indignation which you profess to have against the execrable Murder of our Father: and we believe that your intentions are full of Candour towards us, as we are, and always really have been desirous to settle a clear and right intelligence between us and our Subjects of our ancient Kingdom of Scotland, which may be an assured foundation of their happiness and peace for the time to come, and an effectual means to root out all the seeds of animosity & divisions caused by these late troubles; and also to unite the hearts and affections of our Subjects one to another, and of them all to us their King and lawful Sovereign; to the end that by their Obedience to our Royal and just Authority, we may be put in a condition to maintain them in peace and prosperity, & to protect them in their Religion & Liberty, as it appartains to us according to our charge & office of a King. And as we have always resolved to contribute whatever is to be done by us to obtain these good effects, & for the just satisfaction of all our Subjects in this Kingdom.  
We have now thought fit upon the Return of Mr. Windram, to command & desire you to send unto us Commissioners, sufficiently authorized to treat & agree with us, both in relation to the Interest & just satisfaction of our Subjects there, as also concerning the aid & assistance, which in all reason we may expect from them to bring and reduce the murderers of our late most dear Father of happy memory to condign punishment, & to recover our just rights in all our Kingdoms. And we will that they attend us on the fifteenth of March at the Town of Breda, where we intent to be in Order thereunto. And in confidence of a Treaty, as also to make known to you & all the World, that we sincerely desire to be agreed, We have resolved to Address these unto you under the Name & Title of a Committee of Estates of our Kingdom of Scotland, and will and expect that you use this grace no otherways for any advantage to the prejudice of us, or our Affairs, beyond what we have given this Qualification and Title for, namely, for the Treaty and in order to it. Although we have considerations sufficient, and very important to dissuade and oblige us to do nothing in this kind antecedently at this time. Also we hope the confidence which we declare to have in your clear and candid intentions towards us, will furnish you with strong Arguments to form in yourselves a mutual confidence in us, which by the blessing of God Almighty by your just & prudent moderation, and by that great desire we have to oblige all our Subjects of that Kingdom, and by the means of the Treaty which we attend & hope for may be a good foundation of a full and happy peace, and an assured security to this Nation for the time to come, which we assure you is wished of us with passion, and which we shall endeavour by all means in our power to effect.  
This is the full of his Majesty's Letter to the Committee of Estates in Scotland, & much to this effect was there another writ by him to the Committee of the Kirk. But this I the rather fully insert in regard of the many Calumnies cast upon it, and by it upon his Majesty: His enemies here by taking occasion to carp at him, by pretending his inveterate desire of revenge, which was so contrary to the last precepts given him by his dying father. I think, I need not answer his enemy's objection, they by those carp, only condemning themselves of a self-guiltiness, but to the more sober sort of people I shall refer it, and let them seriously consider whether the beginning, progress and end of the Latter, demonstrate him not a man more addicted to peace & quietness, then to revenge and destruction.  
The principal Objection which his enemies have against him, is, that he desires the aid of his Scotch Subjects, to bring the Murderers of his Father to condign punishment; does this show him a lover of Revenge or of Justice? I would fain know which of his enemies or of his Father's Murderers, would not, should I have done the same to any of their so near Relations, have endeavoured to have brought me under the utmost censure of the Law.  
But to proceed, these Letters are seriously debated both in the Committee of Estates and Kirk the first order its consideration to a select sub Committee of their own, consisting of nine Lords and others, who present their opinions upon it to the grand Committee, and these provide ready a state of the Case to be presented to the Parliament of Scotland which was shortly after to assemble. But mean while a select number of the Kirk and State made up a Committee, who by common consent were to consider what was to be done about sending Commissioners and Propositions to his Majesty; these had strong and serious debates; for the arrogant Kirkmen would not have his Majesty admitted into Scotland, but upon Conditions which should make him wholly subservient to their commands: but the State would have such tart Conditions wholly waved; and (though their own were rough enough, yet) at length a mediation is concluded on between theirs and the Kirk. And the Earl of Castles, the Lord Louthian, Burley, & Libberton, Sir john Smith and Mr. Jeoffreys' for the Estates. Mr. Broady, Lawson and Wood are appointed Commissioners for the Kirk.  
These having received their Commissions and Instructions, took their journey for Holland and arrived at Breda, some few days before his Majesty got thither. On the 16. March 1649. he also arrived there, and on the 19 the Lord Wentworth Master of the Ceremonies conducted them to Audience, being come before his Majesty, who in a large Chamber purposely provided, expected them, The Lord Castles in behalf of the Estates, and Mr. Lawson in behalf of the Kirk, having made their Speeches, declared the occasion of their coming, and showing their Commissions, they delivered the ensuing Propositions in the behalf both of the Kirk & State of Scotland.  
1. That all those who had been excommunicated by the Church, and still continued so, should be forbid access to the Court.  
2. That all Acts of the Parliament of Scotland should be by him ratified and approved of. That the solemn League and Covenant, the Presbyterian Church-government, The Directory, Confession and Catechism should be enjoined in Scotland; and the same used and practised in his family, and an Oath to be taken by him, that he would never oppose it, or endeavour to alter it.  
3. That he would by solemn Oath, & under his hand & seal declare and acknowledge his allowance of the solemn League and Covenant, & the National Covenant of Scotland.  
4. That he would consent and agree that all civil matters might be determined by subsequent Parliaments in Scotland, and all Ecclesiastical matters by the General Kirk assembly, as was formerly granted by his Royal father.  
To these Propositions his Majesty demanded,  
Whether this were fully and wholly all that the Committee of Estates and Kirk in Scotland had to desire or propound? & whether these Commissioners had power to remit or recede from any of these particulars; and further, what they had to propound concerning his affairs in Scotland.  
To which the Commissioners replied,  
That they had acquainted him with their full power, according to the instructions they had received from the Committees of Estates and Kirk in Scotland  
Upon which his Majesty made answer; that he would consider of their Propositions, and doubted not but to return them such an Answer as might give his Kingdom of Scotland satisfaction:  
and so dismissed them for the present.  
But let us thus leave his Majesty and Council debating about the Scotch Commissioners propositions, and discourse a little about his affairs under the conduct of the thrice noble and Illustrious Marquis of Montrosse, who having (notwithstanding the opposition which Hamilton gave to the design) obtained Commissioners from his Majesty to levy what force he could on that side the sea, endeavoured to the utmost of his power to effect it, but chief among the Princes of the Germane Empire, where he found large and fair promises, but very little real assistance, only the Duke of Holstein supplied him with four ships well armed and manned, though these were likewise by some strange neglect delayed a long time at Amsterdam, which much retarded the service. Colonel Cochram likewise who had been sent agent into Poland to the Scottish Merchants there for assistance of men and money, having received a considerable quantity of money, and good supply of corn, disposed of the first to his own use, sold the other, and himself revolted from the service. General King, who was expected out of Sweden with a party of Horse, came not at all; so many crosses there were in the beginning of the business as had Omens to its future ill success. But at length the marquis fearing lest if the King should conclude with the Scots before he had attempted any thing, his Commissions would be recalled, fatally resolved to departed Scotland as he was. So with four ships indifferently well armed, (but with not above six or seven hundred men, & those most strangers) besides a small Frigate of sixteen Guns, & one thousand five hundred good Arms given him by the Queen of Sweden; he set sail, & this was all the strength he carried with him from Hamburgh to assault that potent Kingdom. Two of these ships, and those the biggest; were sent before, & directed to steer their course for the Orcadeses, but these unfortunately met with a storm; and where amongst those rocky Islands, their men, arms & ammunition was cast away, so that a third part of the Forces raised for this expedition was lost.  
But notwithstanding these fatal disasters, the sad presages of his ruin, the noble Marquis proceeds, and with the small number that was left him, lands amongst the Islands where he gets together a pretty considerable number which had almost the face of an Army, but was for the most part composed of raw and unskilful fellows, a party of these he sends out, who without resistance enters the Isle of Orkney, there being no Garrison there; from thence he dispatches Commissioners to Scotland, and the Island adjacent, for the levying of Horse and Foot, which because the inhabitants of those places to which they were sent could not resist, obeyed; and not long after the sending of those Commissions, Montrosse himself; with those forces he had, and those Gentlemen, resolved to engage in partaking of his fortune, landed in Scotland. at the point of Cathanes, the very farthest land to the Northwest of that Kingdom.  
The people here whom he expected to have joined with him (were so sensible of the miseries of the former war, and now more terrified with the name of Foreigners,) deserted their dwellings, and fled away, some never stopping till they came to Edenbrough.  
The Parliament of Scotland who were now assembled, though they had former advice of the Marquess' designs, yet could not tell the place of his landing, but now alarmed by the flying Country: David Lesley is commanded with the body of the Army to march directly towards them for fear Montross should grow too numerous: and Colonel Straughan, whose valour the States highly approved, is ordered with a party of select Horse to advance before, to hinder the Marquess' levyes, and if he saw opportunity to fight him.  
Montrosse in the mean time to satisfy the World, and because the people should not be startled at his Invasion, whilst the King was upon Treaty, publishes a very pathetical Declaration, declaring the justness of his cause, and to clear himself from the aspersion of sinister ends, and that his intention was only against some particular persons, who had against the Laws of the Kingdom, raised and maintained a war against his Majesty's father. and did now by their wiles and subtle practices endeavour to destroy the Son also; & therefore exhorting all Subjects of that Nation to endeavour to free themselves from the Tyranny of those who then by an usurped power ruled over them. But notwithstanding this Declaration, the Country came very slowly in.  
Straughan in the mean time advances with all possible speed towards the Royal party, whilst Montross had not (for indeed he could not effect) any thing Material besides the fortifying of Dunbath Castle: but the Marquis hearing of the enemy's approach, made his whole Forces march at a great rate to recover a pass; yet nevertheless before they could come at it, the front of the Army discovered Straughan's forlorn hope, who marching with haste upon the Marquis' Army, found them both almost tired, & out of breath & Order; howevera forlorn hope of a 100 foot are drawn out to meet them, who giving them a resolute Charge forced them to an Orderly Retreat, but being seconded by Straughan's whole body of Horse they again maintained their ground resolutely Charging upon the Marquis' main body: the Islanders immediately threw down their Arms and cried for quarter, but the Holsteiners and Hamburgers made an Orderly retreat for the present into some bushes, which having a short time defended, they were at last enforced to yield.  
This was a sad blow to his Majesty's affairs in Scotland, there being great hopes, that had Montross succeeded and kept them in play, both Kirk and State would have come to milder Conditions with him: Yet the Marquis himself escaped for the present out of this Battle, Though there were hear two hundred slain, and twelve hundred taken in the field (for the Country coming in upon them, few escaped, (Amongst the Prisoners of note, there were taken Col. Hurry, the Lord Frenderick, Sir Francis Hay of Dalgettey, Col. Hay of Noughton, Col. Grace and several other Officers; together with the King's Standard, which contained this Emphatical Motto, JUDGE AND REVENGE MY CAUSE O LORD; and whereon was portrayed to the life the Effigies of his Majesty's Father beheaded.  
But long it was not ere this thrice Heroic Marquis fell into the hands of these cruel, Obdurate & inveterate enemies; for though when he saw the Battle at a loss, he had saved himself by escaping out of the field, and had afterwards to disguise himself changed his habit with an Highlander, yet all could not prevail to his Escape, for the whole Country was raised up in arms in search after him, and a price set upon his head by the States, but especially the Presbyterian Ministers exhorted the people to endeavour his attachment, as a thing necessary to their Salvation.  
At length the whole Country being up in arms about him, and no way left for this distressed Marquis to escape, he thought it better to throw himself upon the Lord Aston, formerly a friend of his, and now out in the search with some of his Tenants, then fall into the hands of his more inveterate and implacable enemies. But this Lord, notwithstanding he had formerly been Montross' follower, either out of fear or covetousness durst not conceal him; but sent him with a strong guard to David Lesly; by whom he was directly sent to Edenbrough, & shortly after brought to his Trial before the Parliamant of Scotland: where all the while notwithstanding those many ignominious affronts and disgraces thrown upon him (as his being intriumphant manner brought through Edenbrough bound in a Cart) yet he carried himself with so much Magnanimity and Courage, That those of his Enemies, who did not pity him, yet were almost ashamed of their vilainies towards him.  
The Parliament of Scotland upon the first news of this Noble Marquis being made a Prisoner, met, and resolved to pass a sentence upon him before either he was come up, or had at all answered for himself, & though, when they allowed him to speak somewhat for himself, (which he pronounced with gravity void of passion,) yet he had as good have held his peace; for the sentence being agreed upon, it was passed to this effect.  
That he should be carried to the place from whence he came, and from thence (to morrow being the 21. day of May 1650.) be carried to the high Cross in Edinbruogh and be hanged upon a Gibbe thirty foot high, and there hang for the space of three hours in the sight and view of all people, with his History and Declaration hanging about his Neck; after which he should be taken down, beheaded and quartered; his head to be placed upon, he Talbooth or prison house in Edenbrough, and his legs & arms over the gates of the Cities of Sterling, Glascow, S. john's town and Aberdeen. And in case he repent (by which means his sentence of Excommunication might be taken off by the Kirk) the bulk of his body might be buried in Grayfriers, if not, to be buried in the Common burying place for thiefs and robbers. Thus far did their unparallelled hatred and malice extend even to his dead Corpse.  
This Sentence being aggravated by the Chancellor in the utmost terms of horror that his spleen could invent, was yet mildly and unpassionately received by this Illustrious Marquis, who answered nothing to it. But, That he took it for a greater honour to have his head stand on the prison gate for this quarrel, then to have his picture in the King's Bedchambers; and lest his loyalty should be forgotten, they had highly honoured him, in designing lasting Monuments to four of the chiefest Cities to bear up his memorial to all posterity; wishing he had flesh enough to have sent a piece to every City in Christendom, to witness his loyalty to his King and Country.  
The next day being the day appointed for his execution, richly habited, in a scarlet Cloak laced with gold, but his soul adorned with constant Loyalty the far richer Ornament of the two, he marched along the street with so composed a Courage & Gravity, that most of his Enemies either pitied or admired him: being come to the place of execution, he was some time detained with many frivolous questions of the fleabitten Clergy, being ready to mount up the lader, he said it was Jacob 's Lader by which he should mount to Heaven.  
His Speech to the people was short and much to this effect. That he was sorry if his end should be scandalous to any good Christian: but that it often happened to the Righteous according to the ways of the wicked, that they who knew him should not disesteem him for his ignominious death. That he confessed it was the judgement of God upon him for his private sins; but as for his condemners, they were but instruments. That they had perverted judgement and justice and oppressed the poor: yet he desired God to forgive them, for he hearty forgave them. That what he did in that Kingdom, he did it in obedience to the just commands of his Sovereign, to assist him against those which risen up against him. That it was not his fault that he lay under the censure of the Church, since 'twas only for doing his duty. That for what was said of him that he should blame the King, he said, 'twas most false, for (says he) the late King lived a Saint, and died a Martyr. That if ever he should wish his soul in any man's place, it should be in his. That for the King now living, he was a Prince under whom any people might live most happily, his commands were righteous, his promises saithful, and his deal just. Finally, that he commended his soul to God, his service to his Prince, his good will to his friends, and his name & charity to all good people.  
This was the sum of his speech on the ladder, which, and some private prayers being finished: he mounted up the top of that prodigious Gibbet, where his History and Declaration being tied about his neck, and his hands bound by the Executioner, he turned about and gave him some gold, ask; If they had any more dishonour, as they conceived it, to put upon him, he was ready to accept it, and then with a great deal of magnanimity, biding the Executioner turn him off when he should hold up his hands, it was accordingly performed.  
Thus nobly lived, and thus ignominiously & yet nobly died: the truest of friends, the loyallest of Subjects, the faithfullest of Servants, the best of Masters, and the valiantest of Captains. james Graham, Marquis of Montross Earl of Rindardin, Lord of Groaem and Baron of Montdieu, whose death was not only lamented as a private but rather as public loss: most of the Princes in Europe deploring the unfortunate fall of so Noble and Heroic a person; for he was endowed with such winning graces, that wherever he came he was both honoured and esteemed, and wherever he Commanded, both feared and loved.  
His enemy's Mallicce, though he was dead, kept still alive; for after they had beheaded him and cut off his quarters, they would not permit that bulk of his body which remained to be buried in any other place then the Borough Moor.  
But this Noble Marquis suffered not alone, for soon after Col. Hurry (notwithstanding he pleaded the benefit of Quarter, young Spotswood of Daersie, A most complete Gentleman) Sir Francis Hay, & Col. Sibbalds', two most accomplished persons, though they had all the favour to be beheaded.  
There was likewise one Captain Charters, who being put in hopes of life by the perfidious Kirk, upon his recantation, made a long speech upon the Scaffold, acknowledging his Apostasy from the Covenant, and desiring to be reconciled to the Kirk but had notwithstanding his head struck off,  
This was the fatal and Tragical Event of his Majesty's affairs in Scotland under Montrosse's Conduct: let us now turn to see how the treaty at Breda went on in the mean time.  
But before I proceed any further, give me leave to speak a word or two, concerning the Magnanimous Col. Will. Sibbalds', who (say some) confessed himself guilty of the Murder of D. Dorislaus the English Agent at the Hague, which I must ingeniously confess I believe upon good ground to be only a Calumny and scandal raised from the so far extended Marice of his enemies; for I can find nothing either in his speech at Death, or in any Records of credit tending to such a confession, though much against any likelihood of it: nor can I imagine that any man could with so much resolution as he died with, part from this world, and have so great a load and blot upon Conscience. But to proceed, Great debates there were in the mean time between his Majesty and the Scotch Commissioners concerning the Treaty, and great demurs there were upon it; for besides the striving of some Lords who had a kind of a serious Antipathy to the Scots perfidiousness, and endeavoured to persuade his Majesty not to trust them who had betrayed his Father. The King himself stuck highly as he had reason, about the business of of taking the Covenant; For, 1. There was no reason why he should be enforced to relinquish the Religion of his Fathers, and whilst he permitted to his Subject's Liberty of Conscience, it would be very inconsistent with their so earnestly pretended desires of a peace and agreement, to deny him the same privilege which he gave them. 2. That Covenant tendered, and so earnestly pressed upon him by them, was an Obligatory Covenant to bind the Subjects to him, and not for him to swear to; and therefore he judged it sufficiently satisfactory to pass an act for the people's taking it.  
Whilst these demurs and delays were in the Treaty, the Scotch Commissioners give a visit to the Illustrious Prince of Orange, whom they entreat to be a Mediator between them and their King. His Majesty likewise withdraws himself for some time from Breda to the Hague, there to advise with his Aunt the Queen of Bohemia, the Prince of Orange and other friends, about what he were best to resolve on, or determine.  
But the Estates of Scotland though their proposed Conditions were already unreasonable, yet resolve to add more weight to the scale: the Earl of Carnworth and Mr. Murrey are sent over to the Commissioners at Breda with new instructions and propositions; As, 1. That his Majesty should confirm all Acts done in some late Sessions of Parliament, without any exception. 2. That neither Montross nor any of his adherents be admitted to come into the Kingdom of Scotland.  
But notwithstanding the harshness of the Conditions, the King is earnestly pressed to come to a full conclusion with the Scots, Though many Lords of the contrary faction pleaded for an utter rejection of their propositions, alleging to his Majesty, That the Covenanters horrid perfidousness to his Father might be a sufficient motive and inducement for him not to trust them; That the more willing he was to condescend to their Propositions, the more impudent they were still in proposing things most unreasonable; That should he accept of their Conditions, they would so tie up his hands that he would be then but a King only in Title, which he was without them. On the other side, the Earl of Lauderdale, the Lord Wilmot, Piercy, and others of his Majesty's Council who stood for an accommodation with the Scots, urged, That his Majesty's affairs both in Ireland, under the Marquis of Montross, and in the Navy under Prince Pupert, were in so weak and tottering a Condition, that no help could be expected from them; That all the Princes in Europe were so embroiled in Wars of their own, that it was in vain to crave any Foreign aid; & that therefore there was no way left for his Majesty to regain his lost Rights and Kingdoms but by complying with his Subjects of Scotland, and though it were upon such Conditions as would at first seem harsh, those Curbs might in time (possession got) be thrown off by degrees; these reasons swayed with his Majesty, & the Treay went on with a clearer face then formerly.  
But now there happens a strong demur, or as most supposed, a business that would wholly break off the Treaty, for the news of Montrosse's ignominious death being come to Breda, extremely incensed the whole Court, and those who were against the Treaty, bestirred themselves strongly, still endeavouring to avert the King wholly from it, by telling him, That they had by thus murdering his Leiutennant, Demonstrated to the World what they would do to him if they had him in their power; That it was an act of rashness and desperation to trust them, or to have any more to do with such a perfidious generation; That they only cunningly and subtly endeavoured to entrap him that they might destroy him. But notwithstanding their heat, his Majesty conceals his anger, (which doubtless could not but be great, for the death and the so Ignominious death of so good and loyal a subject and Servant; and that too in his quarrel, and for obeying his just commands (only he expresses his resentment of their so strange proceed to the Committee of Estates by a Message sent by Mr. Murrey to this effect.  
That it could not but grieve and perplex him to hear, that whilst they pretended to conclude a peace, they proceeded in the way of War; and that whilst they treated of an accord with him, they shed the blood of his best Subjects, and that in such a manner, that if true as reported, they could not imagine but it must extremely incense him, he therefore desired them to give him an account of their business.  
To this they return Answer.  
That their affections were still real to him, & that it rejoiced their very souls, to hear that he would be willing to concur with them in a peace and agreement, That as for the Death of Montross, they desired it might be no obstacle in the way, for that they did nothing in it but with a real intention to promote his interest.  
Thus they endeavoured to excuse themselves, but it was not their excuse, nor their so many reiterated Protestations of fidelity, but the necessity of the King's affairs, which drew him not long after to conclude the Treaty at Breda (notwithstanding the violent opposers of it) by condescending to most of their desires  
The conclusion of the Treaty was soon carried to Edenbrough, where the Parliament being met, it was yet by some of those who favoured the Secterian party in England made a debate, whether they should make any more addresses to the King. So impudent were they even after the treaty was concluded with him, but there were found but thirty of these malevolent persons; so the major part of the Votes carrying it in the affirmative, it was resolved that another message should be sent unto him, to invite him to make all possible speed to his Kingdom of Scotland, protesting that they would venture Lives and Fortunes in assisting him to regain his Rights & Kingdoms; but they not only debar him from having those whom he chief favoured to wait upon him, but likewise prohibit the Duke Hamilton, the Earls of Lauderdale & Seaforth, and many other persons of qualities return to Scotland, and they nominate such persons as they thought fit out of their own Gang to be officers of his household there.  
The Juncto then sitting and Governing in England, had certain intelligence all along of the proceeds of the Treaty between his Majesty and the Scots, together with their Propositions to assist him in the recovery of his Rights in England by some who sat in the Parliament of Scotland, betrayed their counsels, and earnestly solicited the English to assault Scotland, before they were themselves assaulted and invaded, to which effect they prepare an Army without any just pretence, which they give to Oliver Cromwell to command, making him Generalissimo of all the Forces of that Commonwealth in the room of Sir Thomas Fairfax, whose Commission was between taken away and laid down.  
Some time before his majesty's departure from Holland into Scotland, news was brought of the unfortunate loss of all Prince Rupert's Fleet, most of his ships being either taken, sunk or burnt by General Blake, Admiral to the English Navy; so though the Treaty was concluded with Scotland, his majesty's affairs went every where else to wrack.  
At length all things being in a readiness, his Majesty about the beginning of june 1650. took shipping at Sheveling in Holland, and after a tedious storm, and narrow escape of some English Vessels which lay in wait for him, arrived at Spey in the North of Scotland. Some Lords are sent down to receive him, and to accompany him to Edenbrough, where two stately houses are richly provided and furnished to entertain him.  
He was all along the Country entertained with the General joy of all the people, several presents being given him by the Towns as he came along. Aberdeen presented him with 1500. l but the Committee of Estates and Kirk fearing that such diet would prove too unwieldy to their pleasures, sent an injunction to several places, requiring them that what ever moneys they had to bestow, they should bring it to such treasuries as should be appointed by them. Thus they permit not the Subjects to show their good will to their Sovereign, nor him to receive it.  
Nor were the States & Kirk as yet content with those hard conditions: but they send him new propositions to Dundee to sign, which after some reluctancy he performed; for indeed he could do no otherwise, being now in their clutches.  
The Parliament and Committee of Estates in Scotland had while they expected his Majesty's arrival been consulting about the framing of an Army, every fourth man in the Kingdom is ordered to be trained; and sixteen thousand foot, and six thousand horse to be raised for his Majesty's present service. Of this Army the Earl of Leven is made General of the Foot, and Holborn Major General, David Lesley Lieutenant General of the Horse, and Montgomery Major General: the place of Generalissimo was reserved for the King, though he never went into the field with the Army.  
His Majesty being come to Edenbrough, is received by the Parliament and Committee of Estates & Kirk, with infinite compliments and expressions of fidelity & affection, and with great acclamations of joy from the people, and on the 15. of july is again solemnly proclaimed King at Edenbrough Cross, but his coronation yet deferred by reason of the than troubles.  
For the English Army, notwithstanding the Scots had expostulated them the unjustness of invading their Country, was advanced upon the borders, & at Muscleborough the Scots under Montgomery with a small party, set upon the English Army, but were worsted, and so the two Armies moved at a distance one from the other, till they came as far as Dunbar, where the Scots had got a considerable advantage, by reason of a pass, and bragged they had got the English in a pound: but whether by their own carelessness and over security; or the overreaching, courage and valour of the English, I cannot tell, a total loss they had there, the pass gained from them, & themselves wholly routed and dispersed.  
I am the shorter in relating the passages between these two Armies, in regard that though the King was made Generalissimo; yet he had no influence upon the Army, which might rather be called the States or Kirks then the Kings; for though he was there present; and bore the title of King, yet they had the whole power, and made and revoked Laws and Orders.  
The King was then with the States at Saint johnston's, when the news of this loss, and that of the Death of his Sister the Princess Elizabeth arrived much about the same time, and some have been bold to affirm that the latter grieved him more than the former, in regard of the imperiousness which 'twas probable the States of Scotland would have usurped, had the success answered their minds.  
And sufficiently imperious were both they and the Kirk already, notwithstanding the ill fortune of their affairs; for, so great was their insolency towards his Majesty, in their earnestness to purge his house, in extorting Declarations from him against his own party and proceed, & in usurping the whole government of affairs to themselves, in placing guards of their own creatures upon his Person, etc. That his sacred Majesty no longer able to suffer such intolerable affronts & abuses, went secretly away, accompanied only with four horse towards the North of Scotland, where the Marquis of Hunt ley, the Earls of Seaforth and Athol, the Lords Ogilby and Newburgh, with the Gourdons were ready to appear for him with a considerable party.  
Scotland was at this time not only perplexed with a foreign enemy in her bowels, but with civil distempers & divisions; for in the West there was a party under the command of Straughan & Kerr; who declared against the actions of the Committee of Estates, for their too much haste and precipitation in the Treaty with the King for their receiving him before he had given any evidence of a real change. That they believed his profession of the cause and covenant was counterfeit, and therefore refused to submit to his power; These men were purely for the Kirk against the King's Authority.  
Another party there was in the North under the Command of Huntley, Athol, Seaforth, etc. who declared purely for the Kingly Authority disclaiming and disowning all power or order of the Kirk, Parliament or Committee of Estates. These having gotten together a considerable party, it was supposed by the Committee of Estates that his Majesty was gone to them, whereupon to quiet & allay them if possible, an Act of Indemnity was passed by Parliament for what they had done; but they slighted it, fell upon Sir john Brown's Regiment, and slew and took prisoners many of his men; Whereupon Lieut. General David Lasley was sent against; him; but the whole business after the King's return to St. Iohnston's ended in a Treaty.  
The third & greatest party were the Parliament & Committee of Estates & Kirk, who were equally for King & Kirk; these were highly perplexed and discontented at the King's going away from S. Iohnston's and the more because they feared he was gone to the Athol men, many controversies & consultations were had about it; some were so ridged as to propose, that since he had deserted them, they should look no more after him, but let him take his own ways: Others were more mild, and would yet have him understand their resentment for his leaving them; nor wanted there some sticklers for his Majesty; at length it was concluded that Major General Montgomery should speedily march after him, and earnestly entreat him to return to S. johnstons'.  
Montgomery according to his order went, and having had secret information that his Majesty was at the Lord Dedup's house in the North confines of Fife, he first surrounds the house, and then sends in a Messenger to acquaint the King with the earnest desires of the Committee of Estates; that he would graciously be pleased to return with him to St. Johnston's; but his Majesty at first absolutely refused, as scorning to endure that slavery which they had subjected him to, he was in the mean time earnestly solicited by Huntley, and the gordon's to adhere solely to them, which he so much seemed to incline to, that he had almost made the breach implacable between that party and the Kirk; but at length upon several propositions granted him, he returned with Montgomery to St. Johnston's.  
The King being thus returned, and Huntley's party come in by admitting those with him to bear public Offices, a general Meeting was resolved on to be held at St. Johnstons', which should consist of King, Lords, Barons, Burgesses and the assembly of Ministers; whereupon the Committee of the Kirk are summoned to meet, but stand off, alleging that Sterling was the more convenient place to meet in; To which the States answered, that they esteemed S. Johnstons' the fit, that if they would not meet, they should consult for their own securities, but at length they consent; The grand Assembly meets, & all parties seem now agreed. Several Lords formerly in disfavour with the Kirk, are received into Command in the Army, or have liberty to sit in Parliament, such as Hamilton, Lauderdale, Lieth, Bucheim, Dedup, and Crawford, Major General Massey of the English was admitted to a command in the Army. Thus did their divisions begin to be cemented, which else must necessarily have hastened their Ruin.  
About this time the King received the sad news of the death of the thrice illustrious Prince of Orange, Brother-in-law to his Majesty, & who had demonstrated himself a true & faithful friend to him in his necessities; his Lady the Royal Princess Mary was by him left great with Child, and soon after his death was delivered of a Posthume son.  
And now on the first of January the day appointed by the Grand Convention at S. Johnstan's the solemnity having been removed to Scone the usual place for the Coronation of the Kings of Scotland; First his Majesty in a Prince's Robe, was conducted from his Bedchamber by the Constable and Marshal to the Chamber of presence, where he was by the Lord Angus Chamberlin placed in a Chair under a cloth of Estate; Then the Nobles and Commissioners of Baronyes & Burroughs entered the Room, and having shown themselves to his Majesty, the Chancellor spoke to this effect. Sir, your good Subjects desire you may be crowned, as righteous and lawful Heir of the Crown of this Kingdom, that you would maintain the present professed Religion the Nationall Covenant and Solemn League and Covenant. That you would graciously be pleased to receive them under your protection, to govern them according to law, to defend them in their rights and privileges by your Royal power, they offering themselves in humble manner to your Majesty with their vows to bestow Land, Life & what else is in their power for the maintenance of Religion, for the safety of your Majesty's sacred person, and maintenance of your Crown, which they entreat your Majesty to accept, and pray Almighty God that for many years you may enjoy the same.  
The King to this made Answer.  
I do esteem the affections of my good people more than the Crowns of many Kingdoms, & shall be ready by God's assistance to bestow my life in their Defence; wishing to live no longer than I may see Religion and the Kingdom flourish in all happiness.  
This ceremony performed, the Nobles and Commissioners of Baroneys and Burroughs accompanied his Majesty to the Church of Scone; the Spurs being carried before him by the Earl of Eglinton, the sword by the Earl Rothes, the sceptre by the Earls of Craford & Lindsey; the Crown by the Marquis of Argyle; immediately before the King's Majesty; who followed supported by the Constable & Marshal; his train born up by the Lords Montgomery, Ereskin, Newbottle, and Machelene; under a Canopy of crimson Velvet, supported by the Lords Drummond, Carnegie, Ramsey, johnson, Brechin, and Yster; which six were supported by six Noble men's sons.  
Thus they went to the Church, which being fitted for the purpose, the Honours were laid upon a table provided for them, and his Majesty ascended on a stage 24. foot square, & seated himself in a Chair to hear the sermon; upon this stage there was another smaller stage erected whereon the Throne stood. His Majesty being seated on the Chair, a Sermon was preached by Robert Douglas moderator of the Commission of the General assembly: Sermon being ended, the National Covenant of Scotland, and the solemn League and Covenant were distinctly read, which done, the Oath was ministered in these Words.  
I CHARLES King of Britain, Frence and Ireland, do assure and declare by my Solemn Oath, in the presence of Amighty God the Searcher of all hearts, my allowance and approbation of the Nationall Covenant, and of the solemn League and Covenant; and faithfully Oblige myself to prosecute the ends thereof in my station and calling; and that I for myself & successurs shall consent & agree to all acts of Parliaments enjoining the Nationall Covenant, and the solemn League and Covenant: and fully establish Presbyterian Government, the Directory of Worship, Confession of Faith, and Catechisms in the Kingdom of Scotland, as they are approved by the General assemblies of this Kirk, and Parliament of this Kingdom, and that I shall give my Royal assent to acts & Ordinances of this Parliament passed, or to be passed, enjoining the same in my other Dominions. And that I shall observe these in mine own practice & Family, & shall never make opposition to any of those, or endeavour any change thereof.  
The King having thus solemnly sworn, the Nationall covenant, the solemn League and Covenant, with the oath subjoined, was by him under written in the presence of them all; which done, the King ascended the other Stage, and sat down in the Throne. Then the Lords great Constable and Martial went to the four corners of the Stage, Lion king at Arms going before them, who spoke these words to the people, Sirs, I do present unto you the King, CHARLES, the Rightful and undoubted Heir of the Crown & Dignity of this Realm; this day is by the Parliament of this Kingdom appointed for his Coronation. And are you not willing to have him for your King, and become subject to his commandments? At this Action the King stood up, and shown himself to the people round about, who expressed their consent by their joyful acclamations, crying, God save King CHARLES the Second.  
Then his Majesty descended from his Throne into the Chair, where he sat to hear the Sermon, of whom the Minister accompanied with some others of his tribe, demand if he were willing to take the Coronation Oath, according as it was contained in the eight Act of the first Parliament of King James the VI his Royal Grandfather. The King answered he was most willing. Then was the oath read aloud by Lion king at Arms, in these words.  
Because that the increase of Virtue, & suppressing Idolatry craveth that the Prince and people be of one perfect Religion, which of GOD'S mercy is now presently professed within this Realm: Therefore it is statuted and ordained by our Sovereign Lord, the Lord Regent, and three Estates of this present Parliament, that all Kings, Princes, and Magistrates whatsoever, holding their place, which hereafter at any time shall happen to reign & bear rule over this Realm, at the time of their Coronation, and receipt of their Princely Authority make their faithful promise in the presence of the eternal God. That enduring the whole course of their lives, they shall serve the same Eternal God, to the utmost of their power, according as he hath required in his most holy Word, revealed and contained in the new and old Testaments, & according to the same words shall maintain the true Religion of Christ Jesus, the preaching of his holy Word, and the due and right ministration of the Sacraments, now received and preached within this Realm, and shall abolish & gainstand all false Religions contrary to the same, and shall rule the people committed to their charge according to the will & command of God revealed in his foresaid Word, and according to the laudable Laws and Constitutions received in this Realm, no ways repugnant to the said Word of the Eternal GOD, and shall procure to the utmost of their power, to the Kirk of GOD, & whole Christian people, true and perfect peace in time coming: The rights and rents, with all just Privileges of the Crown of Scotland, to preserve and keep inviolated, neither shall they transfer or alienate the the same. They shall forbid and repress all in all estates and Degrees, Leases, Oppression, and all kind of Wrong in all Judgement. They shall command and procure that Justice and Equity be kept to all Creatures without exception, as the Lord and Father of mercies be merciful unto them. And out of their Lands and Empire they shall be careful to root out all Heretics and enemies to the true worship of God, that shall be convict by the true Kirk of GOD of the aforesaid Crimes; & that he shall faithfully affirm the things above written by the solemn Oath.  
The Oath thus read, the Minister tendered it to the King, who kneeling & holding up his right hand, swore thus: By the Eternal and Almighty GOD who liveth and reigneth for ever, I shall observe and keep all that is contained in this Oath.  
Then was the King disrobed by the Lo. Chamberlain berlain of the Princely Robe, with which he entered the Church, and vested with his Royal Robes; and so supported as before, he removed to the Chair placed on the North side of the Kirk, whither the sword was first brought from the table by Sir William Cockburn of Langtown Gentleman-usher, who delivers it to the great Chamberlain, and he making a short speech, delivers it to his Majesty, by whom it was given into the great Constable's hands and by him girt to the King's side.  
Then his Majesty sitting down in the Chair, the spurs are put on him by the Earl Martial. After which Archibald marquis of Argyle takes the Crown into his hands, and after a short prayer made by the Minister, put it upon his Majesty's head,  
which done, Lion King at Arms, the great Constable standing by him, called the Nobility one by one, who came all, and kneeling, and touching the Crown upon the King's head with their right hand, Swore thus: By the Eternal and Almighty God, who liveth and reigneth for ever, I shall support thee to the uttermost. The obligatory Oath was likewise read to the people, they holding up their hands.  
Lastly, after the Earls of Craford & Lindsey had delivered his Majesty the Sceptre, he returned again to the Stage, where he was installed in the Throne by the Marquis of Argyle; and after a short exhortation of Master Robert Douglass, returned to the Pallas with the Crown upon his head in the same manner as he came.  
This is a full relation of the ceremonies performed at his Majesty's Coronation at Scone, on the first of January 1650, which I the rather fully insert, because the World may take notice of those hard Covenant Pills which the Kirk-men made him swallow.  
Presently after the coronation, the King & Nobles returned in a most solemn manner to S. john's town; the King's Majesty having a guard to attend him, consisting of most Lords and gentlemen's sons, and the Lord Lorne son to the marquis of Argyle was made Captain of it.  
And now his Majesty intends with all possible speed the raising of an Army (for the Scots having had all this while no Army on the other side the Fife to oppose the English proceed, they had reduced all places there under their force, even Edenbrough Castle itself) to which effect he order his Standard to be set up at Aberdeen, himself nobly resolving to be Generalissimo of this army; the other general commands were now given as well to the Royalists as Presbyterians; For Duke Hamilton was made Lieut. General of the Army, and Middleton Lieut. General of the Horse.  
The Levies came in a pace to the general Randezvouze, which was appointed on the East part of Fife, whither his Majesty in person went to encourage his Soldiers, whom he found both increasing in their numbers, and much rejoiced at his presence.  
The Parliament of Scotland, which had adjourned to give time for his Majesty's nation; being met again, there were strong endeavours of the King, that several Lords of the Royal party should be admitted to their seats in Parliament; but, the assemblies of the Kirk at Sterling & Aberdeen as strongly oppose it, and show themselves discontented both at this proposal, and likewise at the new levies, in regard they were there admitted to commands in the Army: as they now desired to have place in Parliament; yet notwithstanding these murmur, they were upon their reconciliation to the Church; and passing the stool of Repentance, readmitted to their places in Parliament; such were Duke Hamilton, the Marquis of Huntley, the Earls of Calendare, Crawford, & others.  
But still not only many of the Ministers (notwithstanding there was a select Committee appointed to examine and punish such persons who any way confronted and murmured against any designs or acts of State) rail against these proceed; but some of the Nobles too are discontented, insomuch that the Earl of Sutherland utterly refused to concur with them, and if he could possibly, would have opposed them by force.  
And indeed very many or most of the Presbyterians were discontented; For the Royal party by the Admission of those Lords and others, was grown stronger than the Kirk's, and now bore all the sway; which made the proud marquis Argyle and other Covenantier Lords, murmur at: being afraid lest in time they should wholly be laid aside, they having already seen one of their party begun with; for the Earl of Louden who customarily had the Lord Chancellorship of the Kingdom, was removed from his place, and the Lord Burleigh constituted Chancellor in his stead.  
Yet on the Covenanters side there wanted not some Ministers, such were Mr. RoBert Douglass, and Mr. David Dicks, who endeavoured to beget a right understanding in both parties, that these sparks of discontent might not at last burst out into a flame, as 'twas very much feared they would; but rather that in this time of danger they might lay a side all animosities, and unite together against the Common Enemy, who else would be the Ruin of them both.  
And now his Majesty to keep a corespondency abroad, sends the Earl of Dumferlin Ambassador to the States of Holland, he had likewise at the same time several other Ambassadors oragents abroad in the courts of several Princes, to require aid; but never found more, than what fair and sugared promises produced  
And about this time, Sir Henry Hid, being sent over to England from Constantinople (whither he had been sent as Ambassador from his Majesty to the Grand Signior) by Sir Thomas Bendysh his means, who was then Ambassador for the republic in England (but yet deemed a person of more loyalty to his Prince, then to have sent his Ambassador to be murdered, if he could have avoided it) after somewhat a formal trial, he suffered death on a Scaffold before the Royal Exchange in London, for having taken Commissions from his Sovereign.  
And not long after him Captain Brownbushell, who though he had formerly been an enemy to his Majesty's father, yet now suffered death upon the Tower-hill London, for having done some signal services by sea for his present Majesty.  
But to return to the King's affairs in Scotland, where the special businesses in hand were, the completing the Levies to 15000 foot, and 6000 horse, which went on a pace; and the fortifying the town of Sterling, which his Majesty intended for the place of his chief residence; to the hastening of the which his Majesty went often in Progress to view the Works, & encourage the Pioners.  
And time it was to hasten those Works, for the English drew every day nigher and nigher towards them having already taken the Fort of Blackness, which lay btween Sterling and Edenbrough; which was never theless not accounted so great a loss, as the surprizsal of the Earl of Eglinton and one of his Sons by a party of English horse at Dumbarton; for this Earl was a person of a great deal of power in that Nation, and his taking very much obstructed the going forward of the Levies.  
But Sterling being almost fortified sufficiently, his Majesty removed his Court hither; where whilst he was, his birth day being the 29 of May, was kept through Scotland, with such tokens of joy as are usual upon such occasions; but the town of Dundee exceeded all the rest, for besides their equal expressions of joy, they presented his Majesty with a rich Tent, six pieces of Field Ordinance, and set out a Regiment of horse towards his assistance at their own charge.  
At Sterling likewise were the head Quarters kept; most of the Scotch Army Quartering about it, whither Middleton's levies from the North being come, and amounting to about 8000 men, it came to be a dispute whether these should be a distinct Army by themselves, or be joined with Lesley's Southern levies; but at length it was thought most convenient to join them: and his Majesty to prevent those animosities which might arise between Middleton and Lesley for the General-ship, took upon himself the Command of the whole.  
From hence his Majesty sent a messenger to the Parliamet still sitting at S. Johnston's with these demands.  
1. That the Act about the Classis of malignants should be revoked & disannulled, and that an Act pass for its repeal.  
2. That there may be no more any mention of the name of malignants among them.  
3. That Duke Hamilton, the Earls of Seaforth, and Callendare, etc. might have as full command in the Army as any others.  
The demands were strongly debated pro & con in the Parliament; the Marquis of Argyle and others of the Covenanted strain, endeavouring by all means possible to oppose them; yet at length, though with much difficulty, they were carried in the affirmative, it being urged by the more moderate sort too, that the granting of these would be the only way to take away all animosities, between those parties which they intended to unite.  
The Parliament having granted these things to his Majesty, & given large commissions & instructions for the completing of the Levies, about the beginning of june dissolved, leaving all things (in relation to civil and intestine distempers in a calm & quiet) all parties seeming to be pleased, and their actions united towards the opposing of their common Enemy Cromwell.  
Whilst these things were thus transacted in Scotland, a great and terrible plot was discovered against the Juncto then ruling in England, and their government in assistance of his Majesty to his just Rights. This design was chief laid by those Presbyterians who had been such dire Opponents of his Majesty's blessed father of happy (yet unhappy) memory, viz the greatest part Presbyterian Ministers, who had most of them formerly belched out such firebrands from their Pulpits as had set both Church and State in a combustion; but now whether out of a real sense of their Error (which I have the charity to believe it was) they had a desire to return to their Allegiance to his Son their lawful and native Sovereign; or out of an ambition, by joining with their Scotish Brethren (which I am loath to judge) to get the Power again into their hands, which was snatched from them by the Independent English Army, and the Juncto of Sectaries in England, they had laid a design to raise both a contribution of money; and levy men for his Majesty's assistance here; but their Plot was betrayed by the intercepting of Letters in a ship forced by foul weather into Air in Scotland; but bound with provisions for the Isle of Man, whereupon the chief undertakers in London were apprehended, viz. Mr. Cook, Mr. Gibbons, Mr. Christopher Love, Mr. Jenkins, D. Drake and others, of which two. viz. Mr. Gibbons and Mr. Love was condemned by a high Court of Justice; and suffered death on the Tower hill, for that cause against which they had once so strongly declared.  
But to return again to the chief Scene in Scotland. The English Army had long had a desire to bring the Scots to a field battle, which his Majesty upon sundry good reasons & serious advice declined; so Cromwell endeavoured to the utmost of his power to force them to it, & therefore several times faced his Majesty's Army which lay encamped at Torwood, within three miles of Sterling, but could not yet draw them out of their trenches, the chief reason being imagined to proceed from their stay for Argyle, Huntley, and Seaforth, who were gone into their several Territories to complete the King's Levies.  
Cromwell perceiving that he could not draw the Scots to a field-battel, upon a sudden draws off his Army, and transports fixteen hundred Foot; and four Troops of Horse over unto Fife on such a sudden, that it startled his Majesty's whole Army; And Cromwell with an unparallelled expedition, faces again the Royal Army with a resolution to fall upon their rear if they should attempt a motion thetherwards; but they offered not to stir, for already order had been given to Sir john Brown Governor of Sterling to march with four thousand Horse and Foot to drive out that party of Cromwell's which were already landed in Fife; of which, intelligence being brought Lambart and Okye with two Regiments of Horse and two of Foot, are with all possible haste wafted over to reinforce the party already there; with which additional supply of men they routed Sir john Brown, who expected none but the first landed party, taking himself and several other officers of quality prisoners, and killing two thousand upon the place, and taking near 1200. prisoners: and shortly after Cromwell transports most of his Army over the Fife, and resolving to stop the passage which the Scots had over by Sterling, marches to S. johnstons' and takes it almost upon summons.  
His Majesty seeing the English Army was advanced so far Northward, thought it in vain to attempt the forcing them back; & knowing that the Scots naturally fights better in another's then in their own Conntry, resolves toadvanc with all possible speed into England, where he yet hoped, not withstanding the discovery of the design, to find some Loyal souls to join with him for the Recovery of his right and Kingdoms.  
Many were there who opposed this intention of his Majesty, and among those Duke Hamilton was one of the chiefest; whose dislike may sufficiently appear by his Letter to Mr. Crofts after their Advance to this effect;  
We are now laughing, (says he) at the rediculousness of our present State; We have quit Scotland being scarce able to maintain it: and yet we grasp at all, and nothing but all will satisfy us, or to lose all. I confess I cannot tell whether our hopes or fears are greatest? but we have one stout argument Despair: for we must now either stoutly fight or die: all the Rogues have left us, I shall not say whether out of fear or disloyalty; but all now with his Majesty are such as will not dispute his Commands.  
But notwithstanding his dislike: & his & other oppositions, yet the King's resove takes place, and on July the 31. 1651. his Majesty's Army began to advance from Terwood near Sterling steering their course dirirectly for England, which they entered six days after by way of Carlisle; This march of the Royal Army made Cromwell with the greatest part of his forces immediately recrosse the Frith, and forth with send Major General Lambert with a select party of Horse and Dragoons to fall upon the Rear of his Majesty's Army, whilst they hoped that Major General Harrison, then lying near the borders with about three thousand Horse and Dragoons, would attach them in the Front; shortly after himself followed with the rest of the Army which could be spared, amounting to about eight complete Regiments of Foot, and two of Horse.  
But then this greater preparation is made against him in England, for the Juncto then fitting at Westminster, not only interdicted all aid or assistance either of men or moneys, to be given to his Majesty under the penalty of High Treason; but also in all or most of the Countries had caused a numerous force to be raised, the Church-Militia of the City of London being likewise sent out against him; and for the present impeading of his march, two thousand of the Country- Militia of Staffordshire, and four thousand out of Lancashire and Cheshire, under the command of Col. Birch, had joined with Harrison.  
But be sides all this, many of the Royal Army had in their march deserted their colours, & near a fourth part of the army was wanting; but these were most of them such, as were not very well affected to the business, nor cause they went about; and therefore there was but little miss of them, for the rest of the Army marched on cheerfully, and continued to the utmost push steadfast and loyal; & were so contentedly obedient to all Military Discipline, that 'tis believed that in all their march through all that part of England they hardly took the value of six pence forcibly.  
But notwithstanding this unwonted evility of the Scottsh Army, and his Majesty's earnest invitations, the Country came very slowly in, whether besotted, dulled and contented with that slavery they then lay under, or overawed by an armed power, I cannot tell, but such was their backwardness, that few or none besides the Lord Howard of Estriche's son with a Troop of Horse came to him, during his long tedious march through England.  
Nor did his Majesty with his Army take that course which was expected by most he should; for the great fear of his Enemies, and greatest hopes of his Friends were, that he would march directly for London, but he contrary to their expectations, being come into Lancashire, struck off at Warrington, either doubting the enterprise for London too hazardous, or out of the hopes had of the Forces, it was expected Major General Massey might raise in Glostershire which was the then generally voagued reason.  
But before his Majesty could pass over Warrington Bridge, he had occasion to try the stoutness of his Soldiers; for there Harrison was resolved if possible to stop him, and was endeavouring to that purpose to have broken down the Bridge; but his Majesty's forces by a swift march from Charley, prevented his design, and forced him to an engagement, The dispute was somewhat hot and long, but at length his Majesty got the better; for he gained a free passage over the Bridge, though with the loss of some men.  
This Bridge gained, his Majesty marched on towards the West, without any opposition: & indeed with as little assistance or increase of numbers: yet being all along as he came proclaimed King of Great Britain France and Ireland, by an Englishman whom he had created King at Arms.  
Being come to Tong-Norton, his Majesty sent a Trumpet with his Royal summons to Colonel Mackworth Governor of Shrewsbury, which ran thus.  
C. R. Col. MACKWORTH,  
BEing Desirous to attempt all fair ways for the recovery of our own, before we proceed to force and extremity, and (where the controversy is with Subjects) accounting that a double victory which is obtained without effusion of blood, and where the hearts that of right belong to us are gained as well as their strengths. We do hereby summon you to surrender unto us our Town, with the Castle of Shrewsbury as in duty and Allegiance by the Laws of God and the Land you are bound to do, thereby not only preventing the mischief which you may otherwise draw upon yourself and that place, but also opening the foredoore to peace and quietness, and the enjoyment of every one both King and people, that which pertains to them under certain and known Laws, the end for which we are come. Given at our  
Camp of Tong-Norton this 20. August 1651.  
This summons was accompanied with a Letter from his Majesty exhorting him as he was a Gentleman to return to his duty and Allegiance, upon promises of pardon and reward.  
To both which Col. Mackworth returned answer thus;  
For the Commander in Chief of the Scottish Army.  
SIR,  
BY your Trumpeter I received two Papers, the one containing a proposition, and the other a direct Summons for the Rendition of the Town and Castle of Shrewsbury, the Custody whereof I have received by Authority of Parliament; and if you believe me a Gentleman (as you say you do) you may believe I will be faithful to my trust, to the violation whereof neither Allurements can persuade me, nor threaten offorce; especially when but paper ones compel me? what principles I am judged to be of, I know not; but I hope they are such as shall ever declare me honest, and no way differing herein (as I know) from those engaged in the same employment with me; who should they desert that cause they are embarked in, I resolve to be found as I am, unmoveable,  
The faithful Servant of the Commonwealth of England. H. Mackworth.  
Thus flat a denial did his Majesty's Royal summons receive here; nor did his Commands to Sir Thomas Middleton Governor of Chirk Castle in Flintshire, for the levying of men for his service, find better success.  
But from hence his Majesty directs his course for Worcester, where he arrives on the twenty second of August, and notwithstanding some resistance made by the Parliaments soldiers, quickly enters by the help of the towns men, who joyfully returned to their Aleigance & Duty; here 'twas again solemnly debated whether they should remain here or march for London, and was at length concluded that in regard of the long and tedious marches that the Soldiery had had, it would be much better to tarry hear: that after some refreshment they might be able with more vigour and courage to endure the brunt.  
The Earl of Derby who had some few days before his Majesty's Arrival at Worcester, brought him a supply of two hundred and fifty foot and sixty Horse, which he had brought with him out of the Isle of Man, and was returned back into Lancashire, out of hopes that by his influence upon that County he might get a more numerous Force there, having got together a considerable party, was routed by Col. Lilburn, who was there with a party to watch his motions; and was first engaged by the Earl, out of a design he had to hinder Lilburn's joining with a Regiment of Cromwell's; which was sent for the same purpose towards Manchester, but the engagers themselves were defeated; & most of the Earls chief Commanders and Gentlemen of note with him taken prisoners, such were the Lord Witherington, Sir Thomas Tilsly, Sir William Throgmorton, Col. Boynton, and sundry others.  
His Majesty being now at Worcester and solving there to stay and endure the utmost brunt, all preparations possible are made, for the fortifying the place and gaining all advantages possible; to which purpose a Line and several Mounts were quickly raised by the Pioners, and all passes about the Town and towards it secured.  
But Major General Lambert on the Rebulick's side, sending suddenly a party of Horse to discover the difficulty of the pass at Upton, (where Major General Massey (for his Majesty) lay with a party about 300. Horse and Dragoons) those desperate fellows being not above fifty in number, adventured over upon one piece of Timber, which had been carelessly left, from arch to arch.  
And though Massey's men took the alarm, yet was Lambert so quick in sending over relief to his Soldiers (whom the Royal party had beleaguered in a Church) that the pass was clearly gained, & Major General Massey forced to retreat (though as honourably as ever man did) for himself still brought up the, Rear in which service (though his Horse was slain under him, and himself shot in the arm) yet he got off with a very inconsiderable loss.  
And now Cromwell's Army began to join with all those parties, which had conspired there to ruin his Majesty, whom they accounted already like a bird in a Cage; for this Royal Army consisting (at the most) of not above 10000 fight men, whereas the Army that then beleaguered and encompassed them, was one of the greatest that had (during the whole time of the late War) been raised in England, amounting (according to common computation (to some 50. or 60. thousand Horse and Foot, so that (as I have been well informed) this Army, though in a more sanctified strain bragged and insulted more over his Majesty, than the French Army at Agincourt did over the thrice Illustrious King Henry 5. Yet notwithstanding their assurance of making him their prize: it pleased God (though not to give him the success that Henry the 5. had) yet to deliver him out of their blood thirsty hands.  
When I speak of the Armies insulting over his Majesty's misery; I hope the Reader will understand me in the generality; for though many and perhaps the major part were glad of these his straits; yet many noble and candid loyal souls there were, whom nothing but a tyrannical impulsion could have forced to have born Arms against their lawful Sovereign. It being well known that thousands were forced out of several countries' to serve against their wills, & them too put into the brunt of the battle, as though destined for the slaughter.  
But for all these numerous forces which encompassed the Royal Army, they were cheerful & resolved to sell their lives at a noble rate, his Majesty by the Example of his undaunted courage, principally encourageing them: so that many vigorous sallies were made upon their Enemies, & though their supernumeraries forced them to a retreat, yet was it very seldom and never ignobly.  
But now the fatal day draws nigh, a day before so eminently auspicious to Cromwell, and as unfortunate to the Scots, viz. the third day of September. The fight was occasioned thus, Cromwell, Fleetwood, & others of the Republic party, had, after the gaining the pass at Upton, endeavoured to make themselves a clear passage to the City, that their Army might join in the Leaguer, to which end and purpose they ordered the making of two Bridges, the one over the Severn, the other over Thame, over the last of which passes Lievt. General Fleetwood went to attach the West side of the Town, which so alarmed the Royal Army (who then lay within their Leaguer at St. Jones) that to prevent their drawing nigher, they sallied out with the greatest part of their Horse and Foot and a stiff encounter there was, till over poured by numbers more than by valour, which they demonstrated to the utmost of men's strength, they were forced to retire again into the Leaguer, leaving more of their Enemies dead bodies in the field then of their own.  
But whilst the encounter was on the West side of the Town. Cromwell having passed his Army over Severn, he marched directly to the Town on that side, whereupon his Majesty in person, and in the head of the Horse, sallied out upon him, and that with so much valour and courage, that Cromwel's own lifeguard, and the best of his old Soldiers, who were thought almost invincible) were forced to retire, till seconded by those numerous supplies of fresh Soldiers, who served only like the Turkish Asapi, to blunt the Royal swords, so that their wearied arms no longer able to hold out, were forced to retreat, and at Length (notwithstanding the generous example of his Majesty who performed things worth wonder) to a disorderly flight, and notwithstanding his Majesty's earnest endeavours (in which he had his horse twice shot under him) to bring them again to a rally, yet it proved fruitless, for the Cromwellian Army pouring forth their numbers upon them, permitted them not so much time, but following them close at the heels to the Town, towards which they fled, entered pellmell with them.  
And now notwithstanding their flight, and the danger of their own lives; yet had they so much care of their sovereign, that the whole cry throughout both Town and Army was nothing else but Save the King, Save the King; for him they knew it was that the Junctoes' army chief looked after, & indeed in great danger he was; for notwithstanding the earnest desires of many of his friends, & particularly Duke Hamilton, who pressed him to have a care of his safety, & reserve his person to a more fortunate day; yet his Majesty was hardly induced to quit the field, nor would he till he saw all absolutely lost; for Cromwell's Army having as I said followed the Royalists into the Town, and got possession of one side of it, and after by two or three strong assaults upon the fort Royal where the Cheshire men (never before found so disloyal to their Prince; & therefore found now their due,) who out of three thousand men sacrificed the lives of 1600 to the Ghosts of those new Royalists which were all put to the sword in it, it was taken by storm; and now when it was almost too late, his Sacred Majesty thought it high time to provide for his safety; and so with some Nobles and Servants not without a great deal of difficulty, (for how could it be otherwise where there was such hard search made for him,) he quit the field, and by the most unfrequented roads that they could possibly find out, road to the Farme-house of a noble Gentleman on the borders of Staffordshire, where they no sooner arrived but his Majesty disrobed himself of his Princely Ornament & accoutrements; and particularly of a Chain of Gold or spannar-string worth three hundred pounds sterling; the Present of a Scottish Lord, which he bestowed upon a Servant of his there present: which done for his farther disguise, he proceeded to the cutting of his hair, and the Coat affording neither shears nor scissors to perform it, it was by the Lord Wilmot cut off with a Knife.  
And now every one is commanded to shift for himself, & this poor Prince left alone to the sole protection of the Almighty, he choosing none but one friend to accompany him, with whom he wandered into a Wood, within four miles (say some) of Wolverhampton, where finding a hollow Oak, he was now content to make it his Pallas; for here he for some days concealed himself, his Friend still towards night going out to provide him some refreshment dureing this his solitary confinement.  
In the mean time the Lord Wilmot who was commanded with the rest to seek his fortune, was by chance pursued by some Soldiers, but meeting with a Country fellow for merly a Soldier in the old King's Army, he was by him secured though somewhat strangely, for he carries him into a Malt-house belonging to Mrs Jane Lane, & having no other convenient place to hid him in, clapped him under the Kilne, though there were then some fire in it, & the Malt smoking on the top. In the mean time the Soldiers then in pursuit of him, entered the house, and having made about three quarters of an hours search every where else, but not at all suspecting the Kilne, where they saw the fire they departed, & the Lord Wilmot was taken out of the Kilne almost ready to faint with the extremity of the heat.  
The country fellow having thus secured this Lord, acquaints Mrs. Lane with what he had done, and she extremely glad of it, gets him to her house, where in conference she inquires of the King's safety. The Lord Wilmot gives her the former relation of his miseries and distress, which forces tears from the tender hearted Gentlewoman, she earnestly entreats him to take some course for the finding out of his Majesty, and conducting him to her house, she being resolved to venture her life, had she ten thousand, for the saveing of his Royal Majesties.  
The Lord Wilmot glad of so happy an opportunity to serve his Majesty, and so great a ptobability of securing him, the next night finds him out, & conducts him from the Royal Oak to the House of Mrs. Jane Lane, where after a large condoling of his hard fortune, consultation was had for a conveniency for his Escape beyond sea, at length it was concluded, that Bristol would be the most convenient place to take shipping, That his Majesty should ride before Mrs. Lane by the name of William, servant to Mr. Lastel her father in Law, who was likewise to go with them; & thus it was immediately given out, that Mr. Lastel and Mrs. Lane were to take a journey into the West, to visit some friends, and shortly after they set forward.  
In this journey there happened many accidents worthy commemoration, and first the King's Majesty riding now as a servant to one of the faithfullest of his subjects, in a Livery cloak, though not without that respect that durst be given to him; complains to Mrs. Lane that the Cloak wearied him, whereupon she desires Mr. Lastel to carry it, & long they had not rid so, but they met upon the road her Brother in law, who amongst other questions demanded of her, if her Father must carry her man's Cloak, to which she readily answered, that it was so big that it often endangered the throwing her off the Horse, and that she had therefore desired him to carry it.  
The next and most important accident of all was, that coming into a Town which they were to pass through, there was a Troop of horse there to be quartered, drawn up, which at a distance caused some fear, but at length with a resolution they passed on, and the Captain taking them for honest Travellers, made his Troop open to the right and left, and so permitted them to pass.  
Another accident there happened, which one may say was almost comical in this Tragedy; Mrs. Lane coming into the Inn, leaves his Majesty under the name of William her servant, in the Kitchen, with whom the Maid enters into discourse, she asks him where he was born, and what trade he was; he answered at Brummingham, & a Naylor's Son; and after a great deal of other discourse, the Jack being down, the Maid desires him to wind it up; which he willingly undertakes, but goes the wrong way about it, and somewhat prejudices it; at which the Maid grew angry, ask him where he was bred, and telling him he was the veriest clownish booby that ever she saw in all her life; which railing of hers made his Majesty notwithstanding his present misery, go out of the room smiling.  
Mrs. Lane notwithstanding his Majesty went as her Servant, yet had a greater respect for him before others, pretending him her Tennant's son; but on the Road she would always ask what he would have to dinner or supper; & what piece of that he liked, which she would always be sure to get made ready, and give him, he still sitting at the lower end of the Table.  
But to come to the end of their journey; being arrived at Bristol, they lodged at the house of a noble Gentleman there, and Kinsman to Mr. Lastles: the King finding it to be a house of great resort, feigns himself sick of an Ague, and so keeps his Chamber all the day, coming down only at nights; but one night coming down, & being somewhat cold, he craves a glass of wine of the Butler, This Butler having before served his Majesty's Father in the Wars, looking earnestly upon him, suspected him to be the King; so easily will Majesty appear, though veiled in the utmost disguises; and thereupon pulling off his Hat, told him very ceremoniously, That he might command what wine he pleased; of which the King took no notice, but drinking of his wine went out: Yet the Butler could not satisfy his suspicion, but went up to Mr. Lastell's, and demanded of him how long he had had that servant? Whereupon Mr. Lastell's was very angry at his boldness in daring to ask him such a Question, But the Butler still persisted, and whispering told him, that he believed it was the King: Whereupon Mr. Lastell's seeing he was discovered, sends immediately up for his Majesty, whom he acquaints with the Butler's discovery of him, with whom the King was somewhat angry, in regard he did not first acquaint himself with his suspicion, it not being impossible, but Mr. Lastles might not have known him to be the King: but upon pardon asked by the Butler, it was granted him by the King, and he afterwards proved very instrumental in his Majesty's conveyance through the Country.  
But here at Bristol; the chief design they had in hand failed them; for though there were a little Bark lay there, judged most convenient for the business; yet the Master would for no reward transport a single person, though he was so honest as only to deny it, and made no farther search or inquiry concerning the Person, which might perhaps have tended to a discovery.  
This design here failing, his Majesty desired to be brought some miles westward, to the house of a worthy Gentleman, whom he knew to be a trusty friend; where coming, he finds the Gentleman in the Field with his Servants: having discovered himself to him, he was by him conveyed to a convenient stand till night, (having first taken leave of his true friends, who had thus far conducted him with the danger of their Lives & Estates) from whence he was in the dusk conveyed into the house, and there carefully concealed for a week, till such time as preparation could be made in some Western Port of a passage for him; but coming afterwards there where it was provided, chancing to dine with a Parliament Colonel then there, he thought it the safer to lose the benefit of that passage, than adventure to embark himself singly, which might breed suspicion, & perhaps have been the means after so many deliverances, to have betrayed him into the hands of his Enemies.  
This passage then likewise failing him, he returned back to the place from whence he came, & there concealed himself three weeks longer, till in the end it being resolved on, he by the assistance of Mr. Ph. was conveyed through the most by ways they could imagine, to a Gentlewoman's house in Sussex, where he lay some few days, till a person of true worth & honour made provision of a faithful master, who with a small vessel wafted him to a small Creek in Normandy, to the great content of the King's sacred Majesty, and all his loyal Subjects, and to the honour of the master with due reward, as in time may appear.  
Perhaps the reader may think it tedious that I have given so large a relation of his Majesty's escape from the fight at Wercester; but it was a work so full of wonder & providence, and so many false relations there are abroad, that I could do no less then recount all those miseries and hardships which this poor Prince endured for the sakes of us his Subjects, and more would he willingly have endured, even death itself, to the redeeming of us from the tyranny and oppression which we then groaned under.  
But let him that shall look upon the several passages of his, read them over & over, consider the several difficulties he passed, the many dangers he was in to be betrayed, the country being up round about, the sum of money set upon his head, for which many hundreds out of covetousness made it their business to search for him; & they will confess ingeniously, that God was never so merciful to any people, as to us, in delivering his sacred Majesty so wonderfully out of the hands of his Enemies, who breathed out nothing but his death and destruction, that we may yet have hopes to be a happy Nation.  
But let us now return to give a full account of this dismal loss at Worcester, in which most of his Majesty's foot were either made a prize, or a sacrifice to their enemy's swords; of the horse there escaped 300. out of the field, but were most afterwards either taken or killed by the country people in their flight; three thousand were judged slain in the Field, and about seven thousand taken prisoners; whereof the chief were, the Earls Derby, Lauderdale, Cleveland, Shrewsburge, & the Lord Wentworth, and many other noble persons taken in the pursuit. And the chief of those taken in the battle were, the Earls of Carnworth and Kelly, the Lord Synclare, Sir John Packington; the Major Generals, montgomery and Piscotty; and the Virgil of this Age, that thrice worthy Mr. Richard Fanshaw, Translator of the renowned Paster Fido, and Secretary to his Majesty. As for the thrice noble Duke Hamilton, he was taken, but not overcome; overpowred, but not vanquished. For after having made a most Heroic resistance, he was reduced under his enemy's power, more for want of strength than valour: but death entering in at those wounds which he so gallantly received in defence of his Sovereign, soon after released him. Major General Massey, though he escaped the field; yet his wounds being desperate, he was forced to surrender himself to the Countess of Stamford, & was by her Son, the Lord Grey of Grooby, after the recovery of his wounds, sent up prisoner to the Parliament, and by them committed to the Tower, from whence he not long after escaped, and went to his Majesty beyond sea.  
This strange and wonderful Victory (as the Juncto at Westminster gave it out to be, though they had six to one in the field) made that Sectarian party cock-a-hoop; & to make it the greater, public days of Thanksgiving are appointed to make God the patronizer of their villainies, murders, tyrannies and treasons; and now they boast in all their discourses how clearly it might appear that God owned their cause, and disowned their adversaries.  
I think a modern writer hath sufficiently confuted that commonly received tenant of Politicians, 
* See Modern Policy.  That success denotes actions to be either just or unjust. I shall therefore leave the sober Reader here to satisfy himself, & refer it to him, whether such do not justly deserve Ovid's wish: 
— Careat successibus opto,  
Quisquis ab eventu facta notanda putat.  
Let him for ever in success be poor;  
That thinks it justifies his cause the more.   
But this Nation is so highly sensible of the injustice put upon them by those who pretend so much right in their Cause, that there's no loyal Subject but will think according to reason, that it was not the justice of their cause, but our own and the Nations sins which caused God to raise up these men as scourges both to Prince & People; & to the prince only for the people's sake.  
Some I have heard, which out of a spirit which I cannot well define, have endeavoured to brand his Royal Majesty with Cowardice in this battle; which from whence it could proceed, unless from their own coward nature, which would insimulate another in that of which themselves are guilty, I cannot imagine; since Cromwell the greatest of his Enemies (because the most desirous of his Kingdoms) yet had so much of truth in him, as to give a high and noble Character of his valour.  
But to proceed, we have now said enough of this fatal battle, the seeming ruin of the Royal Interest in England, unless God of his mercy be pleased to restore it for the good, peace and quiet of these Nations, since without it we cannot hope to enjoy any.  
His sacred Majesty being landed in France near Haure de Grace; from thence with a Noble Lord in his Company, posted directly for Rouen, where they stayed to alter their disguises, and furnish them with habits answerable to their qualities; his Majesty from thence having dispached Letters to the French Court to acquaint his friends there of his safe Arrival, which doubtless caused no little joy in those who were real to him, and almost despaired ever again to have seen him. The Duke of Orleans sends his own Coach to fetch him, and several persons of quality go to meet him; by whom he was attended to Paris, and there received with all possible expressions of joy, lodgings and attendants being forthwith provided for him in the Lowre; where, at his first arrival he was visited by the Queen his Mother, & the Duke of Orleans, who of all persons in the Kingdom expressed himself the most ready to do him service; and the next day visits him again, accompanied with his Daughter Mademoiselle. he is likewise courted by the Dukes of Beaufort, Langueville. Guise, the Marshal Thurine, and many other Peers & Nobles of France, who all congratulate his safe deliverance.  
And now his Majesty having lost all hopes of any furthermeans of attaining his Dominions by force, leads here a retired life; yet living in regard of his high alliance and extraction, in great esteem with all the French Nobility: Insomuch that notwithstanding his present low condition, there was very great talk of a match to be made up between him & the Madamoiselle de Orlians, the richest princess in Christendom; yet by some means or other it came to no effect, though the Queen of England his Mother, was an earnest promoter of it, and also the Duke of York to Longuevelle's Daughter.  
Whilst these things were transacting, happened that lately reconciled Fracture between the Prince of Conde and Cardinal Mazarine, most of the Prince of the Blood siding with the first; & the King of France (who was newly declared of age to sway the Scpter himself) with the last. The cause of the quarrel was that extravagant power which Mazarine a stranger had usurped in the government of the Kingdom, both depriving the Princes of the blood of their Right, and oppressing the people; whose daily murmur more encouraged the Princes against him: this power he had got into his hands in the Regency of the Queen Mother, whose grand Favourite he only was.  
The Princes therefore, though they could not dureing her Regency who so much loved him, yet hoped they might effect something now the King himself is come to govern; to which intent they charge him with several miscarriages of State, which the Cardinal defends, & the King also inclines to his side by the instigation of the Queen his Mother; yet nothing but the Cardinal's banishment will satisfy the Princes, who join the Duke of Lorain to them, then in the service of the Spaniard, with an Army of ten thousand men; so that they intent with his assistance (if they could not obtain their desires by fair means) to have forced it.  
Thus these differences were arrived to such a height, that nothing but a Civil war was like to ensue; which made his Sacred Majesty of England use his utmost endeavours to compose & stay this breach before it came to an utter overflow; to which effect he daily went to & fro be twixt the King & the Princes; endeavouring to bring them to a reconciliation, urging by his own example the miseries and calamities that must necessarily fall upon every man's head by a Civil War, telling the King that the late example of his Royal Father of happy memory, might be an inducement to him to be at peace with his Subjects, rather than embroil his Kingdoms in a bloudywar, by which though he might for the present gain the better; yet in the end he would still be sure to have the worse.  
Yet these Arguments, and his Majesty's earnest endeavours for peace and reconciliation, produced nothing, but only contracted an unjust odium upon him from both parties for his good will; the Princes believing that he counselled the King against them, and the Cardinal against him: So that he lost the love of both by endeavouring to make them love one another; yet notwithstanding the ill success he had, this Noble Prince still pursues his pacific intentions, till such time as he gains a conference between the King Cardinal & Princes; but this proves ineffectual; For the Princes heightened with the aid they expected from the Duke of Lorain, instead of coming to an accord, only exasperate differences.  
Yet his Sacred Majesty ceases not, but endeavours to bring them yet to a peaceable compliance; & in order threunto procures another Conference, where he himself would be Moderator; but this proves as ineffectual as the former; For the Prince of Conde was above all others outrageous, and would come to no agreement, except Mazarine were first banished France, and the French King as violently persisted in his resolution against it, alleging, That he had approved himself both a faithful servant, and an able Minister of State. So in stead of agreement, both sides prepare for War, yet are both sides equally angry, & exasperated against his sacred Majesty for his good will toward them and the Nation, the one and other party imagining that both he and his Mother had given counsels opposite to their designs.  
But that which above all exasperated the Princes against his Majesty of England, was the sudden lukewarmness of the Duke of Lorain in the business. For though he had drawn off his Army, as though he had complied with their resolutions to come to a battle; yet being sent for by the Princes to advance towards Paris, he refused to come; which made the Princes believe there had been some underhand dealing with him; and that which most of all increased their jealousies that King Charles had a hand in it, was this; The Duke of Beaufort coming to the Camp of Lorain to desire him in the name of the Princes to come up and fight, found there his Majesty & his brother the Duke of York in private conference with Lorain, who withdrawing when Beaufort appeared; & Beaufort finding the Duke's averseness to the enterprise confirmed him, and he confirmed the Princes of the King of England's endeavours, whereby he had withdrawn Lorain from their party: This coming to the people's ears who were absolute favourers of the Princes, and inveterate enemies to Mazarine, so extremely incensed them against the English Princes, that they threaten violence and indignities to their persons, & are not afraid to affront the Queen their Mother in her Coach; which made his Majesty to avoid the popular fury, retire himself from the Lovure to St. German.  
Nor is the Cardinal less incensed, though under a more politic vail; For though both Princes and People might imagine & believe that his Majesty had counselled things opposite to their intentions, yet the Cardinal very well knew that he had advised the King as the best course, to consent to his departure out of the Kingdom; and that if he had endeavoured to draw Lorain from their party, 'twas only out of a desire he had to expedite their agreement; he therefore resolves to thwart him in all his designs.  
And so he did to the utmost of his endeavours: For his Majesty though suspected by the Prince, in his several conferences with Lorain to have endeavoured to divert him from them, was only transacting with him for the recovery of his Kingdom of Ireland out of the hands of the English Republic; to which effect several Articles were drawn up between the Duke of Lorain, and the Lord Taaff; two of which were: 1. That the Duke of Lorain should transport an Army of 10000 men at his own charge into Ireland, there to join with such as should be found Loyal, for the Recovery of his Majesty's Rights in that Kingdom.  
2. That the Duke of Lorain should by his Majesty be invested with the power and Title of Protector Royal of Ireland.  
These Articles though drawn up, never came to be signed; the cause of which some have imagined to be the disability of the Duke to perform the Enterprise without the Aid of some other Prince; but we may in more reason guests, it proceeded from the strenuous endeavours of Mazarine (his Majesties so lately made-enemy) to divert the Duke's Army, then from any other cause.  
Many in England upon hearing of these Propositions made to the Duke of Lorain, (which I must confess some believe to have never proceeded any farther than discourse of the Duke's) feared his Majesties too great inclination to the Romish Religion, which fear his after retirement at St. Germain's, convinced there was no need of: For here he spent his time wholly in Piety and Devotions, according to the best worship of the Church of England, never forgetting to pray for those his Enemies who were not only content to have deprived him of his Kingdoms, but continually belched forth both slanders and maledictions against him.  
His Majesty having stayed at S. Germains till such time as the heat of the popular fury was over, which decreased still towards them as they found Mazarine more averse to him, returned again to the Lovure; where during his abode, his brother the Duke of Gloucester (who had a long time been detained by the Juncto of England in the Isle of Wight, and was lately permitted by them to go to his Sister the Princess Royal in Holland, came to him accompanied from the Hague by Sir Marmaduke Langdale and Sir Richard Greenvile; he was at his arrival at Paris honourably received by the King of France, and Queen Mother; and courted according to his birth by the rest of the Grandees and Peers of the Kingdom.  
Likewise during his Majesty's abode here, arrived his Quondam Preserver Mrs. Jane Lane, who after she had taken leave of his Majesty at Bristol, returned home; and lived for some space in a great deal of security, not doubting she could be betrayed: Yet at length by what means I know not, (though indeed I have heard of many relations that I dare not relate any) it came to light; yet she had some timely notice of it, whereupon she who had formerly disguised his Majesty in a Servingman's habit, now disguises herself in that of a Country Wench; and trots on foot (to save her life which she was like to lose for having formerly saved his sacred Majesties,) quite cross the Country to Yarmouth, where she found shipping which conveyed her safe into France; great search after her departure there was made for her but in vain; which so incensed the Soldiers that they burned down to the ground that poor Cottage where his Majesty first took shelter after his escape from Worcester.  
She being arrived in France, sends a Letter to the Court, whereupon his Majesty almost overjoyed at her Escape who had been the cause of his, immediately sends some persons of quality in Coaches to conduct her to Paris, whither he being near come himself with the Queen his Mother, the Duke of York, Gloucester, went out to meet this Preserver of the life of their Son, Sovereign and Brother; the Coaches meeting, and she being descended from her Coach, his Majesty likewise descends, & taking her by the hand, salutes her with this grateful expression, Welcome my life, & so putting her into his own Coach, conducts her to Paris, where she was entertained with the applause and wonder of the whole Court: and she could indeed deserve no less; for I believe neither past or future Ages can or will ever parallel so great a pattern of female Loyalty and Generosity.  
Whilst his Majesty was thus passing away his time in France, more in contemtemplation then action, Oliver Cromwell made General of all the Juncto's Forces in England, Scotland, and Jreland, finding now a fit opportunity to put his long-laid ambitious designs in execution, had dissolved that Juncto which had usurped the Kingly power or more, over England, and taken upon himself (though not the title) yet the Royal power and authority over these Nations, which the people, though unwilling, yet were forced to submit to; & though he had not at first any basis whereon to ground his new usurped Regality; yet in stead of one Juncto he plucked down, he easily sets up another, which I may the more justly call so, in regard there was not one of them chosen by the free Votes of the People, but by his own arbitrary Election, and those such persons who knew well enough what they had to do before they met: these after a short time sitting (without doing any thing besides the making of some impertinent laws which were forceably imposed on the people) surrender their power (as dying men do their souls to God) into his hands that gave it, who by the help of the Officers of the Army, and Lambert's instrument, makes himself immediately king of England, Scotland and Ireland (which government he had often sworn against) though under the title of Protector.  
This (I must needs say) Noble Tyrant, having got the Dominion of three such Kingdoms into his possession, made it now as much his study to preserve himself safe in his Estate and Grandeur, as he did before to acquire it; to which purpose he thought it most suitable to that design, to make some remarkable disturbance amongst the neighbouring Princes; then to continue that War (begun by the Juncto of Parliament) with the Dutch, to which purpose several motions of a Treaty passed.  
His sacred Majesty, though he had sundry times before solicited the assistance of those United Provinces for the regaining of his Right in his Kingdoms, now more earnestly upon secret intelligence of the first motions of this Treaty, sends the Lord Gerard his Ambassador to the United States more earnestly entreating them to own his Interest then before, proffering, that if they would set out a good squadron of ships under his Flag, he would command them himself in person.  
His Sister, the princess of Orange and other of his friends in the Low Countries, addicted to his Interest, earnestly prosecutes his desires, and use their utmost influence on the States of the United provinces for the performance of his propositions. Nor are there five of these Provinces, nor Van Trump himself their Admiral unwilling to comply with him. Only the Province of Holland, the most potent at sea, stands out, chief out of the disgust they had lately taken to the family of Orange, whose interest and command they were fearful might be restored, should his Majesty, who was Uncle to the young Prince, be invested in his Territories.  
His Majesty likewise to advance his hopes of their assistance, when Monsieur Bortell came from those United States to negotiate a League with the King of France, used his utmost Interest to promote the Treaty, and in fine, brought it to a desired period: notwithstanding the United States sent no other answer to his Embassy then a cold Letter of Compliments.  
His designs thus failing him here, he directed himself to a more hopeful course, by interposing himself a Mediator with the Pope and other Catholic Princes for an accord and peace between the two mighty Crowns of France and Spain. And indeed two such potent Monarches had been in better capacity with their joint forces to have assisted him (had the peace gone forward, as there was great hopes) than the United States of the Netherlands; but Cardinal Mazarine by a piece of secret state-policy, endeavoured to obstruct all proceed which might tend to a Treaty or accord.  
Nor was this Cardinal's spleen to his Royal Majesty yet allayed; for his supposed Council against him in the forementioned difference between the King & Princes; but farther to prejudice him and his affairs, he endeavours the promotion of a peace between the Protector of England and the French King his Master, which, though opposed by all the force and Interest that either himself or the Queen his Mother had in the French Court; yet was by the Cardinal (whose will was a law, all other Government in that Kingdom being but a mere shadow) vigorously carried on, and an Ambassador sent over to treat of an accord: where having been sometime in England, his Majesty was by secret intelligence informed that the chief Article insisted upon in the Treaty (by the Protector of England) was the excluding himself, relations and followers out of the Kingdom of France and its Territories; wherefore least the treaty should be suddenly concluded upon those terms, & he ceremoniously excluded, he thought it more honourable himself to leave that Kingdom of his own accord; and having taken his leave of the King of France, and the rest of the Nobility accompanied with his Coufin Prince Rupert, he departed for Germany, where the Lord Wilmot had long been Ambassador for him to solicit aid and assistance.  
Yet notwithstanding his Brothers, the Duke of York and Gloucester, stayed still in France. The first having under the Command of the Marshal of Turine against the Spaniards performed such eminent services as had made him deservedly esteemed a most valorous and prudent Prince; in so much that notwithstanding his Youth he was made Lieu. General of the French Army, and thought so well worthy that Command, that when Turine (the most esteemed General the French have for a long time had) lay desperately sick, and it was expected that he should breathe his last; he was by the King of France sent to, to desire him, that seeing there were so little hopes of his life he would nominate such a General of his Army as he might judge fit to succeed him. To which Turine answered; that if his Majesty would have his affairs prosper, he should make choice of a Noble, Valorous, and fortunate General; which if he did, he could make choice of no fit person than the thrice Heroic Duke of York.  
As for his Brother the Duke of Gloucester, he remained at the Palace Royal in Paris with the Queen his Mother; who shortly after the departure of his Royal Majesty, endeavoured by all the bonds of filial obedience and the most prevailing Arguments could be used, to persuade him to become Roman Catholic: (nor did she alone) but the Queen Mother of France, and the prime Nobility of that Kingdom, attempt the same: when the Retorique of the Court could not prevail, the most eminent for learning set upon him with that depth of reason, as long acquired study and their own interest, could oblige them to use, or furnish them withal: nor were Arguments and Reasons only used, but the highest temptations this world could present, to a Prince in adversity; such were a Cardinal's Hat, and a Revenue suitable to his Dignity: when these could not prevail, the indignation of a Royal Mother was poured forth upon him, which wrought him the deprivation of his Tutor, his Servants, and all Comforters in these temptations: But that Noble Prince was so far endowed (dureing this affliction) with the Principles of the Religion of the Church of England, besides that natural piety and constancy, flowing from his most religious Father of blessed Memory, that by the depth of truth and Reason, he defended himself against these attempts. After this he is committed to the care of one Mr Walter Montague Abbot of Nantueil living at Pontoise, who keeps him in very closely, and works, and persists still in endeavouring to pervert him, using the Argument of Duty and Obedience to his Mother's Commands, which she did enjoin him to do or never more to see her face, (which from that day to this he hath not seen.) This noble soul replied with a sorrowful heart, That as the Queen's Majesty was his Mother, he ought her duty; but as his Brother was his King and Sovereign, he ought him duty and Allegiance, which he could not dispute. Whilst he is at Pontoise the most noble and religious Lord Hatton, takes occasion to go wait upon the Duke, according to private iustructions received from his Majesty (who to his great sorrow had advise of these particulars) he is admitted with much trouble to the presence of the Duke, who embraces him as his Deliverer, and with some difficulty, urging the Commands of his Majesty, & his own arguments; he is delivered to his care, who conducts him with a special respect and diligence to his house in Paris, where he is entertained divers days with all honour, and confirmed with all diligence, by that Learned Lord, in his so well imbued Principles, until the arrival of the Marquis of Ormond, who by the King's Command, receivs, and conducts him to his Majesty's Court.  
His Majesty in his journey towards Germany came first to Catillon a Castle belonging to the Prince of Conde, whither he was accompanied by his Brother the Duke of York, and his Cousin's prince Rupert and Edward, Palatines; here Prince Edward & the Duke of York left them; the one going to Bourbon, the other returning to the Army: (where he continued a good while after) his Majesty & Prince Rupert continued for some few days their journey together, till the Prince parted from him to go visit his Brother Frederick at Hidelberg; his Majesty passing through Cambray and Liege to the Spa; where he took up the first place of his Residence in Germany, whither his Sister the Royal Princess of Orange came to visit him; and they no doubt during the time of their being there, were as merry as two such afflicted Princes could.  
But let us a little leave his Majesty at the Spa, and look into his Kingdoms, where Cromwell that he might secure himself, in his illgotten Estate, endeavours by all means possible either to take away the lives or wholly impoverish & disable his Majesty's loyal Subjects; who are continually charged with something, which he by his usurped power takes hold of to destroy them: several persons are apprehended and charged with a design to have seized on the Tower, and Proclaimed his Majesty King of those Kingdoms which by right were his: for trial of which persons, a High Court of Justice, (a thing we now in England know very well) was erected for the trial of those persons, Col. John Gerard, Mr. Peter Vowel, and Somerset Fox were condemned to be hanged, drawn, & quartered: (for no less than high Treason forsooth, though there were then no Act in being making it Treason to conspire against the power then in being in England) but somewhat of the sentence was remitted, Col. Gerard was beheaded, Mr Vowel only Hanged, & Mr. Fox reprived.  
I have always observed that in all the trials made by those high Courts of Justice for plots (as they call them) there hath still been some one person, who though brought to trial, have either not been condemned though looked upon by the people as eminent in the business as any) and though condemned, yet have been reprived; what others guess of it, I will not determine, I know what I do.  
The truth is, that his Majesty had always the ill fortune to have such false servants about him as have for the Lucre of money either betrayed any enterprise of his for the gaining of his right, (the Protector especially being very prodigal in such expenses: his intelligence as most affirm, standing him in no less than two hundred thousand pound per annum) or else those persons engaged for him, being many of them deboist fellows, (and who often ran upon designs uncommissioned) have in a Tavern both laid and betrayed their own undertake; or else some here in England, who have undertaken in such businesses, have either for fear or gain betrayed both their Prince friends and Country.  
Thus much for England; let us now take a viwe of his Majesty's affairs in Scotland; which Kingdom was not yet wholly conquered, for the Lords Seaforth, Athol, Glencarne, Kenmore, and Glengary, and several others who had some of them been formerly followers of the noble Marquis of Montrosse, by Commissions to the Earl of Glencarne had levied sundry small parties in their several Territories; which all joined, would have made up a considerable Army, besides the help which they expected Middleton should bring them out of the Low-Countries they therefore made all possible speed to join; but in their march the Earl of Glencarne is set upon by Col. Morgan, his party routed, himself hardly escaping.  
This defeat of Glancarn's who was the chief, though it discouraged the rest, yet made them not wholly desist; for they had yet hopes of those supplies which they expected Middleton to bring out of the Low-Countries, who at length arrives & brings with him Monroe to be his Lieu. General, he being Commissionated General, which highly displeased Glancarne, who had been the greatest instrument of his Armies raising (which was now joined and made up a considerable body) who protested that he would not raise an Army for others to Command, so high a dispute there was between Glancarne and Monroe; in somuch that many affirm, though some say the contrary, that it came to a Duel, in which Monroe was worsted & disarmed by Glancarne; however the dissension still continues, for Middleton pretended that he had not power to taken away Monro's Commission which was given him by his Majesty, and Glancarne scorning to be under him, being of Noble blood, & accounting himself as good a Soldier, deserts the Army with five hundred Horse in his company, and goes in to General Monck with whom he makes his Composition.  
Yet notwithstanding his desertion (caused by those differences amongst them selves for Superiority, the only way to ruin any design) Middleton pursues his business and Commission; and had made up a pretty Considerable Number, when General Monck engaging him at Laugherry after a not dispute totally routed him, scattered his party and had almost taken himself Prisoner, but he escaping returned again into Holland.  
Thus his Majesty's ill fortune still attends his affairs, God still permitting his Enemies to taper up in the World & advance themselves, not that he in the want of us, but that we in the want of so Noble a Prince might be yet farther Miserable.  
But let us return again to his Majesty at the Spa where he having stayed a while, courted by all the adjacent Grandees, at length takes his journey in company of the Princess Royal his Sister towards Colen, where being arrived, they were received with all possible honour and demonstrations of joy & affection, the great Guns difcharging at their entrance, and the Deputies of the City coming out to meet them in solemn manner, and conducting them in great pomp to the pallas provided for them by the chief Magistrate of the City.  
Shortly after their Arrival, the Grandees of the Place entertained his Majesty and his Royal Sister at a sumptuous Banquet or Collation, where they express in many ceremonious compliments, the high resentment they had of his Majesty's condition, and the great honour which he did them, in being pleased to come and visit their City.  
After a short time of abode here, his Majesty was invited by the Duke of Newburgh to his palace at Donzell-dorf, where he & his Sister were most sumptuously & Royally entertained for some days; and here the Royal Princes took her leave of her Brother his sacred Majesty, and returned for Holland, the King accompanying her on her way as far as Redinguen, and from thence returned back again to Colen, where he was joyfully received.  
And now more of his Majesty's loyal Subjects are put to wrack in England by tyrannising Cromwell; a general design must needs be laid over all England, and perhaps might be so, though Cromwell Knew it well enough before it was like to take any effect, which appeared by his settling the London Militia in the hands of his own Criadoes, his apprehending of Sir Henry Littleton, Sir John Packington, and many other of the Royal party; yet he lets it still go on, that he might have the better colour for keeping his Scaffold in use; whilst he having certain Intelligence of all proceed from his hired Agents, had care to prevent them when they just came to the height, that he might then lay the surer hold on the undertakers: so now, though he was sure to prevent all rise which might be near London, yet he lets others in the Countries more remote to go on so fare, as they might only raise to a head, but not have any secure place of strength to retreat to, in case of a defeat, where they might again have made a head. The surprisal of Shrewsberry and Chirk Castles are to that effect now prevented. But a party in Dorset and Wiltshier made a body, consisting most of Gentlemen who surprised Salizbury, took away all the Horses, and Marched towards Cornwall, where they expected a greater force to rise with them; but being eagerly pursued by Captain Crook with a party of Horse, were overtaken at Southmolton in Devon shire, and after a hot dispute, most of them either slain or taken; but Sir Joseph Wagstaffe, the chief Commander of this small loyal party escaped. The Captains, Penruddock, Grove and Jones were taken, and afterwards being tried by a Commission of Oyer & Terminer, were condemned to death: Captain Jones was reprived, but Grove & Penruddock were beheaded at Exeter, The last of which parted nobly with his life, and died with a resolution, worthy of the cause for which he suffered. Many others likewise were hanged for his enterprise.  
Yet these and their fellows might have come off better, had the Countries as they promised, risen to their assistance; for all the Countries in England had designed (as they say) to rise; but whether besotted, dulled and fearful, or else prevented by a force upon them, I cannot tell; but sure I am they failed. Yet in Yorkshire there were two parties up in several places, but dissipated by their own fears; at Hexam Moor the Gentry in that shire had a Rendezvouz, of whom Sir Henry Slingsby was taken, and remained prisoner in Hull, till such time as he was brought up to London, where he suffered death under pretence of another design; as shall in due time be declared.  
But now the Protector finds another course to rid himself of all such English men as were loyal to their King & Country. Several of those who were active in the late design and had been taken, are out of the Prisons hurried aboard ships; and though they were freeborn English men, and many of them Gentlemen, sent to be Slaves in the Foreign Plantations; nor were they alone served so, but many who though they had not actually stirred, yet being by the Protector known as persons not very well affected to his Tyrannical Government, were privately taken out of their houses and shipped away in like manner; it not being enough for him when he had impoverished them by taking away their Estates to look upon, and insult on their misery at home, but to make them as much as in him lay the scorn and derision of the world, by selling them to those Plantations (a punishment inflicted usually on none but thiefs and vagabonds.) Yet I hope those Noble souls who were thus dealt withal, account those miseries and hardships they have endured but little in respect of the cause for which they suffered them.  
But to return to our Princes abroad. The Duke of Gloucester in his journey from Paris with the Marquis of Ormond touched at the Hague, where he found his Sister newly returned from her journey with his Majesty; and having stayed with her some time there, she accompanied him to visit their Brother the King, again at Colen, with whom she stayed till after the fair at Frankford, whither his Majesty accompanied with his Royal Sister, the Duke of Gloucester, the Marquis of Ormond, the Earl of Norwich, the Lord Newburg, and several Ladies and persons of Quality went in progress; part of the way they went by Land, and the other part by water; being complemented in all Prince's countries through which they passed, by their chief Ministers of State, and saluted with the great Guns from their Towns & Castles, but particularly being come into the Territories of the Elector of Mentz they were saluted by his grand Marshal, who in the name of his Master the Elector, invited his Majesty the Princess Royal & the Duke of Gloucester to his Court; but in regard that the intent of their progress was to see that renowned Fair at Frankford which now drew nigh, his Majesty sent the Lord Newburgh back with the grand Marshal, returning thanks to the Elector for his civilities; but desiring to be excused till their return, when his Majesty with his Royal Sister & Brother would not Fail to come, and give him thanks in person, and so his Majesty with his Noble company continued their journey.  
Being arrived at Frankford, advice was brought to his Majesty that the Queen of Swethland (who had some time before Voluntarily surrendered her Kingdom into the hands of Carolus Gustavus her Kinsman) was passing that way in her intended Journey for Italy, whereupon his Majesty sent a Noble Lord to acquaint her Royal Highness the Queen Christina, that he was ready to wait upon her at what place soever she should be pleased to appoint for an interview; her Majesty received the message with a great deal of affection, telling the Messenger That she was highly obliged to his Majesty of England for so great an honour, and that if he pleased, she would not fail to meet him at Conningstein a village not far from Frankford where his Majesty for the time resided.  
And accordingly there these two Potentates, (both equally deprived of their Kingdoms, only with this distinction, the one Voluntary, the other by force and Tyranny) met; the Queen of Sweden being there, first attended his Majesty: & he being come, was immediately admitted in a room there purposely provided; and having had near half an hours private discourse with her, the Duke of Gloucester was admitted, and presently after the Lords that attended his Majesty; there passing between their two Majesties many ceremonious compliments; & so after a little longer discourse they took their leaves. The Princess Royal being a little indisposed went not to this interview.  
His Majesty having tarried at Frankford as long as seemed convenient to that Royal Company, in his departure thence according to the promise he had before made by the Lord Newburgh; passed through the Elector of Mentz his Country, resolving to give him a visit, but that Noble Prince had so much of honour in him that he met his Majesty a great part of the way, and conducted him with his Royal Company to a Palace of his, where he sumptuously entertained them for three or four days; and then himself in person accompanied them a good part of their way to Colen, from whence shortly after his Majesty's arrival there, the Princess Royal departed for Holland.  
In the mean time the Protector of England, having made a peace with the Hollander, fearing that the Nation should grow rebellious to him, if they lay free from wars, which would fill their purses; resolves to keep them low, at a diet; to which effect he gins a war with Spain, at first in his Western Territories, but soon after (that business not succeeding) in his European Quarters, which made Mazarine with all hast possible endeavour the concluding the Leageu Offensive and Defensive with the Protector, which being by him considered to be as beneficial for his own interest as for the French, was easily and willingly assented to; but the chief Articles of this Peace was that his Majesty, the Duke of York and Gloucester with all their relations and friends should be expelled out of, and no more admitted into the Kingdom of France.  
Certainly had the French King had but the least touch or sense of honour, he would have counted this the hardest condition in the world, or indeed he would never at all have treated with the protector, but that he should yield to such a condition, as to banish out of his Kingdom those who came to him for succour and relief in the utmost extremity that ever Princes were put too, and these too his nearest relations, being Brothers & Sister's children: And this to make a league offensive with him who had murdered, their Father, & expelled them out of their Dominions. What was this? but the owning of that murder, and aggravating their oppressions instead of relieving them. But neither honour nor relation can stand in competition with self-Interest.  
His Majesty had before foresaw what the event of this treaty would be, and had therefore wisely wihdrawn himself from France to prevent a complimental expulsion. But the Duke of York, who in regard of the great command which he had in the Army, had stayed there till the conclusion of the League, was now warned to departed with all his retinnue (consisting of a gallant number of young English gentlemen bred up under his valour & conduct) notwithstanding those many great services which he had performed for that Kingdom, in requital of which he had only a complimental Apology made him for the necessity of his departure, and a small time respited for his stay, during which he was visited by the Duke of Modena, then in France, and other French Grandees; but more especially by the Marshal of Turine, who extremely loved him and above all others expressed a sorrow for his dismisment; but at length the day perfixed being come, his grace having solemnly taken his leave of the King of France, the Queen his Mother, & the rest of his Friends at the French Court, he takes his journey towards Flanders, accompanied by the Earl of Yarmouth, & several other English Lords.  
For upon the rapture of the Peace between Oliver Cromwell and the King of Spain, Don John de Austria, Governor Royal of the Low Countries, for his Catholic Majesty (commiserating our King's unfortunate Condition, now that his Interest might stand them in some stead) had sent the Count D' Fuensaldaigne, his Ambassador to his Majesty of Great Britain, then resident (as I said before) at Colen, inviting him into the Low Countries, and assuring him in the name of his Catholic Majesty all possible service and assistance: which invitation his Majesty graciously accepted, and soon after took his journey from Colen towards Flanders, & being come to Bruges, the place appointed for his reception, he was received with all honours imaginable, and conducted to a Palace purposely provided for him, where he hath for the most part ever since remained.  
Hither the Duke of York came, accompanied as aforesaid, having first in his way touched at Brussels, where he was magnificently entertained, and complemented by Don John, to whom he freely proffered his service in the Wars, which was accepted with a great deal of thanks; and though he had not at first a command given him corespondent to that which he left in the French Army, yet was his prudence, courage, valour, & conduct in no less respect, as afterwards by the Spaniards esteem of him appeared. From thence he went to wait on his Majesty at Bruges, where he was received with an affection correspondent to the near Alliance with his sacred Majesty.  
Before his Majesty's departure from Colen, there happened a discovery of one of those persons, who under pretence of waiting upon him. (Captain Manning by name) discovered unto the Protector all his Designs and Counsels, who being found out was by his Majesties Command sent to a strong Castle adjacent to Colen, there to be kept close prisoner: But all the Court being highly incensed against him for his perfidiousness, one of his Majesty's Servants (though contrary to order) pistoled him as he was lighting out of the Coach at the Castle gate, giving him less than the due reward of his so abominable treachery.  
The Duke of York being arrived (as I said) at Bruges, was highly carressed by all the persons of quality there resident; and his Majesty, who notwithstanding Cromwell's earnest endeavours, either to dispatch, disable, or make slaves of his loyal Subjects, had nevertheless some true friends in England, who were still ready to venture lives and estates for his so just cause) had got together a considerable number of such English and Scotch, whose Loyalty had banished them from their habitations, & who were ready at all occasions to assist both his Majesty and themselves for the recovery of his & their just rights & estates; but the continual advice which Cromwell always had from those treacherous persons which he maintained about his Majesty, made all erterprises tending to the regaining of his Kingdoms, and redeeming of his subjects liberty ineffectual.  
This Army which his Majesty had quartered near the sea side to be ready on all occasions for transport, was afterwards (since there was no apparent hopes that his Majesty might make any successful use of them) employed in the service of the King of Spain.  
For his Majesty of Spain had then great need of men in Flanders, the English Protector having according to Articles agreed upon between him and the French King, sent over sixthousand foot for his assistance in his wars against Flanders, in consideration of which help the English were to have Dunkirk, which was agreed on to be beleaguered by the joynt-forces of France and England.  
Whilst in the mean time the Protector Cromwell is by a parcel of a Parliament, of which Sir Thomas Withrington was Speaker, invested with his power, and installed in Westminster-Hall, and now he conferrs those dignities which were formerly the Kingly rewards of loyalty, upon his copartners and followers, and whether in mockery of that Government which he had so violently endeavoured to abolish, or out of perjured intention to settle it in himself, which he swore not to endure in another, he established a Pageant House of Lords; who though then made to rule and domineer over the Nation, yet were formerly most of them persons not fit to be Servants to some mean Mechanics. This was that Government which he had so Solemnly sworn against; but when men have once forgot their Loyalty to their Sovereign, what vices will they not run into.  
But to return again to Flanders, The English and French Armies had according to the articles concluded on betwixt them beleagureed Dunkirk which Don john knowing to be a place of great importance, and an inlet into Flanders by sea for English Forces, used his utmost endeavours to raise the sieges; to which effect he levied what Forces he could, either by his own or his Majesty's influence, and having made up a considerable Army himself in person, accompanied by the English Dukes of York & Gloucester, together with those Forces formerly addicted to his Majesty's Service, advanced towards the joynt-force of the French and English then beleaguring the Town, who understanding by their scouts of his approach, left such Forces in the leaguer as might secure them within from a sally, and drew up towards Don john, who had encamped near Evernes: the French and English were (notwithstanding those forces they had left in the trenches) much more numerous than the Spaniards both in horse and foot, which made them the more resolved in the Encounter; for though the others came to raise the siege, yet the besiegers were the first Assaulters.  
The first brush began with a Forlorn hope of English Infantry, consisting of above three hundred, who desperately charged upon a party of the Spanish Foot (which had advantageously drawn themselves upon a rising ground, and seconded by Lockart's Regiment, commanded by Lieutenant Colonel Fenwick, and some other additional supplies of English Infantry,) routed not only them, but the other bodies of Spanish Foot drawn up on the same manner. In this charge Lieutenant Colonel Fenwick received his mortal wound, & some other English Commanders were slain outright.  
The Spanish Cavalry seeing their foot so easily put to a rout, began likewise to fly, nor could by any endeavours be persuaded to stand; whereupon the French Horse who had all that while stood still, and seen the English do execution on the Enemy's foot, with a full career pursue their flying Enemies, of whom they found little opposition, but only what was made by the thrice valiant Duke of York's Regiment, who for a time made the whole French Army to stand, and saved the lives of many of their flying Friends, which else had been sacrificed to the Enemy's fury, whilst in the mean time they dedicated their own lives or persons to their safeties.  
For after they had made a very noble & gallant resistance, over poured by numbers, & having no supplies to refresh their wearied bodies, they were forced to yield to their Enemy's numbers, or trust to the swiftness of their horses heels; but very few of them escaped, among which were the Dukes of York & Gloucester, though the first was not heard of till three days after, which made some suspect that he was taken by the French Forces but by Turine after at a fit opportunity nobly released.  
I may particularly take occasion here to commend the valour of the Duke of Yorks own Troop, who indeed bore the brunt of the whole Battle though I cannot deny but they were seconded by some very noble Spirits of the Spaniards; but the personal Valour of Mr. Henry Bendish son to Sir Thomas Bendish Ambassador for the English Nation in Turkey (who had the ill fortune to be taken prisoner) must not be forgotten.  
Let us now change the Sense a little to England, where the Protector gins to die the Scaffold in as deep a purple as the Vest given him at his late instalment bore; & that not only with the Blood of those seculars that were loyal to their sovereign, but having as he thought now secured to himself the Government, his hand reaches to the sacred Clergy, nor will he strike at a reed or a shrub amongst them, but imitating the Ancient fable of the Jubitrian Thunder, strikes at the Olympus the Atlas, the mainest pillar and support of the Protestant Religion; for no less than the Reverend Doctor Hewet's Blood will now satisfy his insatiate Cruelty; a man whose virtues and piety as they were beyond expression, so I think was the manner of his death beyond example.  
This Doctor and Sir Henry Slingsby (who had ever since the forementioned rising in Yorkshire lain prisoners in Hull Castle) with many others are accused of a design to have seized on the Tower of London, & the Magazine at Hull both in one day, the one by a Divine, the other by a Prisoner; but these persons must have several others to be their assistants, and that especially in London, who while the Doctor was securing the Tower, must fire the City of London in several places.  
Those that make plots may as easily discover them, and with as much ease prevent them; the Protector could do both: but to make some show of a great deal of fear in the business; Worthy Alderman Tichburn then Lord Mayor of London is immediately commanded to settle the Militia, the Protector telling him (as he easily might) that there was a grand design in hand (probably of his own contriving) against his Government, that the Marquis of Ormond had lately been in England transacting about it; that the Common Enemy (for so was his Sacred Majesty then styled) lay ready with a potent Army, & ships hired to transport them on the Sea coasts of England, and that therefore the Militia should be settled in confiding hands, meaning such either whose interest or fear must render them faithful to the Protector; shortly after, according to the common course, the persons to be accused are apprehended, the chief of which were Dr. Hewet, Mr. John Mordant, brother to the Earl of Peterborough, Col. Ashton, Capt. Henry Mallory, Mr. Woodcock, John Betteley, Edmund Stacy, Henry Friar, John Sumner, & Olliver Allen; who were all accused to be complices of this grand design.  
And because no English Law could take away these men's Lives, the ordinary Tyrannical way of a high Court of Justice must do it; Sir Henry Slingsby (who was brought prisoner from Hull Castle) was the first who came before them, and is accused for having endeavoured to draw the Governor of that Cast from his Alleigiance (excellently good!) to the Protector, and pleading not guilty, yet was, by two Witnesses found ready, convicted, and condemned.  
Dr. Hewet being come before them (according to the Example of his Royal Master King Charles the first) refused to plead or to own the jurisdiction of the Court, for which contempt (as they were pleased to interpret it) he had the same sentence pronounced against him, and was afterwards together with Sir Henry Slingsby executed on Tower hill.  
Mr. Mordant brother to the Earl of Peterborough disavowed likewise the Authority of the Court; but at last being induced to plead, was acquitted, so was Mr. Woodcock, Mallory, Friar, Sumner, & Allen were sentenced but reprived; Ashton, Stacy, and Bettely were hanged, drawn, and quartered, in several places of London.  
And here we must not forget the magnanimous death of John Betteley, who having made a Speech, clearing his Innocency and the justness of his Cause, undauntedly leapt off the Ladder, and died a worthy Sufferer for the Royal Interest.  
His sacred Majesty (during these strange Murders and Oppressions of his Subjects in England, by a power which had usurped the Regality) is forced to sit still; his urgent necessities not giving him leave either to revenge their deaths or redeem the surviving, who heavily groaned under the yoke, his only remedy now was his prayers to God (which he pursues with an earnest devotion) that he would be pleased in his good time to deliver his faithful Subjects from those miseries and burdens they then struggled under, and without doubt God hath heard, and will perform his pious desires.  
As an introduction to which, it pleased the DIVINE MAJESTY to take out of the world the grandest opposer of his Majesties Right: OLIVER CROMWELL, who from a mean beginning had raised himself by force to be the arbitrary Governor of these Nations, who is by the Almighty called to give an account of his actions before the High Tribunal of Heaven, where are neither false witnesses nor interesed Judges, and that on the same day on which he had gained two such signal victories over his Majesty's forces at Dunbar and Worcester, viz. on the third day of September.  
Yet he thought he had certainly secured the Government of these three Nations for himself, and nominates his son Richard for his Successor, a person, to speak the truth, as not at all endowed with his father's courage, so not at all inclined to his ambition: one, whom if fame lies not of him, could have willingly been content to have surrendered his Protectorship to the King the lawful heir, and (by law) undoubted Successor of his royal Father. But those Officers of the Army, whose ambition, (though not in so high a degree,) had so engaged them as Complices to Oliver Cromwell in his high late designs against his King and Country, had so great a load of guilt upon their consciences, that they could not hear of, much less agree to the admission of his Sacred Majesty.  
Nor was it indeed only thus, but some ambitious spirits there were, and particularly Maj. General Lambert, whose highflown thoughts made him fancy Ideas in his brain, & forced him to attempt the enterprising to make himself Commander of these three Nations, as Oliver (by his means) had done before, which designs of his in the sequel, ruin'd him, and discovered those grand cheats & abuses which that par●● had put upon the Nation, endeavouring to enslave them to their own arbitrary power, whilst they pretended those strangely mistaken names of Religion and Liberty as hereafter will appear.  
And these passages I shall the more fully insert, as tending so much to his Majesty's interest here, and to the undeceiving of his good Subjects, who are not blinded with Interest, which the Usurpers had endeavoured to make the most potent men in the Nation, i. e. such as had the greatest sums of money, by selling such cheap pennyworths of the Kings, Queens, Bishops, Deans and Chapters lands, which together with the purchases of the estates of such loyal subjects to his Majesty, as those in power were pleased to style Delinquents had near infatuated a good part of the Nation.  
But to proceed, let us now begin with these distinctions. 'Tis an old Proverb in English, When theives fall out, then honest men come by their Goods; may it now prove as true as old, (which God be praised) we have some reason to hope.  
Oliver Cromwell, the greatest, though most heroic enemy of his King & Country being dead, his son Richard is proclaimed Protector, and for some times seemingly complied with; but Lambert's ambition which had long lain hid, gins now to appear, and something he whispers into the ears of the Army, which mixed with the great love they had formerly for him, easily creates a dislike of Richard's Government, which afterward wrought to such a height, that by a joynt-Conspiracy the Protectorship is disjointed, and Richard deprived of his Government, the taking away of which he as willingly consents to, as they are ready to deprive him of it.  
This was the first jarring which this Generation had amongst themselves, which withstanding was composed by the Protector's easy consent, without the shedding of one drop of blood. But there yet remained to his deposers the greatest task, since they were sufficiently sensible that though they had pulled down one civil Government, (they must be enforced though never so unwillingly) to set up another.  
For they very well knew, that they had already so much guled the Nation, that they could not but now be sensible of their many abuses; yet they fly to their old pretences of Religion and Liberty, and under that pretence (since they must at least establish the face of civil government, they call a Parliament again (Resolving to have one like themselves) that Juncto which was formerly desolved by Oliver, was those that murdered their King, & had for some years enslaved their Native Country,  
Yet I cannot tell whether it were their inclinations to the General, or Lambert's particular persuasions; which called these men even out of the grave of infamy to sit again in the House, and rule as Lords Paramount over these Nations, though I have a great deal of reason to believe it was the latter, since Lambert's ambition might rather prompt him to begin with those men, & con over an old lesson, exeperimentally taught him by his old Master Oliver, then hazard the venture of a new one.  
But this Juncto being thus recalled to their seats in the House, and the exercise of their former Arbitrary power and authority by their Quondam servants of the Army, accept of the invitation; and accordingly met in the Parliament House, whether likewise there assemble several of those Members which had formerly been secluded & debarred sitting in 1648. These demand now an equal right with the others, either to Consult or Vote; but as they had been formerly violently thrust out: so they are now forcibly kept out by the Officers of the Army.  
This causes another as great distraction of their affairs. For these secluded Members, do not only dispute their right by Law and Reason (which could nothing prevail with swordmen) but Sir George Booth and some others levy Arms now more truly in defence of Parliamentary privileges than those raised in 1642.  
This small Army raised in Cheshire, gave Lambert as fair an opportunity to put in execution his ambitious designs, as possibly could be; for he being sent with the greatest force of the Army against Sir George, easily overcomes him, takes him prisoner, & retakes those Holds which he had possessed himself of, and so returns victorous.  
This fortunate success revived his ancient credit with the Army, and now he gins to practise the ruin of those which he had so lately set up, that be might give full scope to his own Ambition. They found out his designs, but yet not being able to hinder them, are forced shortly after to submit to a dissolution.  
Thus was this Nation hurried into changes of Government, and anarchical confusions, by persons who endeavoured only to promote their own ends & self interest; yet by these strange endeavours of their own, they only lost themselves, for the people, now beginning to discover their juggles, do as much detest them; & though they might for the present force the people to a submission by sword-law; yet could no Government whatsoever, by them established, be firm or durable, since it must be settled contrary to the Genius of the people.  
For even those who were formerly such strong enemies and opposers of Monarchy and Kingly Government, undeceived by those many delusions which they see put upon the Nation (by those who pretended so much to Religion and Liberty, and the settling of a Free State or Commonwealth, whilst they intended only their own ends) are now as much affected as they were formerly disaffected with Monarchical Government, finding that those who adventure to change a settled Government before they have determined of another in its stead, run into fancies and Chimaeras, and vainly endeavour to build castles in the air; But to proceed.  
This party being thus divided among themselves, there were great hopes, and certainly, greater wishes that that power wherewith they had for some years past, arbitrarily governed the Nation by turns, might at length come to a period, which by the eye of reason was now in greater probability than ever, they by their intestine devisions running headlong to their own ruin.  
Fleetwood, Lambert, and the rest of the Officers of the Army, have now the sole Authority, and having the longest sword, make their wills a law; yet somewhat to satisfy the people, & to make at least the face of a civil government, they set up a new kind of a thing which they composed of themselves, & some other choice persons, which they call a Committee of Safety, and to these they give full Authority over these Nations, without ever ask the people's consent  
This Government is far more the scorn and derision of the people, than the the other, yet notwithstandinding their spirits are by constant use so subjected to slavery, that their Asinine backs are forced to endure this as well as other more intolerable burdens, they not daring all this while to adventure the regaining of their Liberties, nor indeed do other then by their tongues express their hate and anger.  
But all this while those divisions of theirs, and the people's being weary of them, and extremely for his Majesty's interest, it being a rule in Politics, that the people's hatred to an usurper, doth always produce their love to a lawful Prince, nor had they before, till deluded by those Tyrannizers any time to consider the Miseries of their lawful Sovereign, which now they begin to compassionate, & seeing him the only person whom these men endeavour by all means possible to keep down, hatred to their Tyrannies, makes the people naturally desire his restauration, and him whom before they thought justly expulsed, they think it both Justice and Charity to reinstate, as much considering it to be their own as his interest, experience having taught them the difference between the Government by one gentle Prince, and many Rustics.  
Thus far did these men's devisions invest his sacred Majesty with the love of his people, who in the mean time lives retiredly at Bruges, expecting either what the good will of his subjects might do for the restoring him to his right, or what the success might be of that Treaty which was then (the grand action of Europe) in agitation between those two potent Monarches France and Spain, from whose joynt-forces he might expect so great a supply as might have reinstated him in his Dominions by force, a course most of all opposite to his Majesty's nature, who even in private things never attempts any thing by violence which he can obtain by entreaty.  
Yet great hopes had the Royalists both in England and abode, that this Treaty would produce some good effects; yet it went on very slowly, & after a great deal of tediousness, came to a cessation, and from that to an interview between the two grand Officers of State, Don Lew is de Hare Count de Olivares, chief favourite to his Catholic Majesty, and Cardinal Mazarine, chief Minister of State to the most Christian King; these being met upon the Frontier, his sacred Majesty of great Britain, was invited thither by Don Lew is de Haro.  
His Majesty received this invitation at deep in Normandy, whither he had privately withdrawn himself (as likewise had his Brother the Duke of York to Calais) that they might be in a readiness to have come over into England, upon any fit opportunity, they having received many invitations from their friends here, about that time when Sir George Booth was up in Cheshire, and all England in a manner gaping for him. But Sir George being (as I said before) overcome, his Majesties and the whole Nations hopes failed, and the Fanatic power still continued Paramount.  
His Majesty therefore from deep gins his journey towards the frontiers of Spain, which journey he intended to make privately, and being first come to Rouen, he was there nobly entertained and feasted by Mr. Scot, an English Merchant, who accompanied his Majesty to the Protestant Church, about three miles from the City, where with a great deal of Devotion and Attention he heard a Sermon.  
From Rouen, his Majesty accompanied with the Marquis of Ormond, the Lord Digby, Mr. Oneen took Post, steering their course directly for Bayonne (near which the two great officers of state were to meet) not staying in any place, but endeavouring by all means possible to travel undiscovered as was before resolved.  
Being come near to the end of his Journey, advice was sent to Don Lewis de Haro of his Majesty's approach, who immediately (accompanied with a gallant Train) came forth to meet him, and being come near unto him, Don Lewis alighted from his horse, and notwithstanding the place where they met was very dirty, kneeling down he clapped his hands about his Majesty's Knees, and with a great deal of humility kissed them.  
His Majesty was from hence conducted with becoming Ceremonies, to the place appointed for his accommodation (Don Lewis riding all the way bareheaded by him) where he was entertained with all possible splendour and gallantry.  
Many overtures and propositions there passed, between his Majesty and Don Lewis de Haro touching what aid and assistance might be granted him by his Catholic Majesty, for the regaining of his rights & Kingdoms; his Majesty endeavouring by all means possible, to promote and further the present Treaty between France & Spain, and to bring it to a happy conclusion, by the Marriage of the King of France to the Spanish Infanta, it tending so much to his interest, that till the conclusion of it, nothing could be effected by those Princes which might any way promote his right or possession.  
To all his desires or propositions, the noble Count de Olivares returned pleasing answers, & carried himself with so much respect towards him, that he could not have been more submissive to the Catholic Majesty of Spain his Master.  
His Majesty having some time been treated here, returned back again through France, being accompanied some part of his way by Don Lewis, and repassing the rest privately by Post as he had formerly passed it, till he came to Charinton and Paris, where his Mother was, with whom he stayed some few days (though he was not now Courted and carressed by the French Nobility as formerly) and then returned to his residence at Brussels.  
His Majesty's private departure from Brussels, & his privacy during his whole journey, made it certainly believed, that both he & his Brother the Duke of York, who lay at Calais, were come over into England, & that they lay hear concealed, expecting according to the event of things, either to discover or secure themselves: nay so certain was the belief even those in power had of it, (who had not so good intelligence as Oliver Cromwell) that many persons were aprehended for them, and particularly one Mr. Colt was taken for the Duke of York, and kept in prison for him, till such time as certain news arrived in England of the Duke's return to Brussels. Several other persons likewise suffered imprisonment forbeing supposed tobe like either his Majesty or his Brother.  
His Majesty living retired at Brussels, the continuances of the differences in England among those who had usurped his power, doth still highly promote his interest. For though Lambert had routed Sir George Booth, and by it declared absolutely against a Free Parliament (for which, as the undoubted right of the Nation, Sir George Booth and his party took up Arms) yet the people could not be content, but now once put in the way, they began violently to hanker after their long lost Liberty.  
Nor could the turning out of the Rump (for so had the people out of disgrace termed the Juncto which then sat) whom they inveterately hated, any whit now sweeten them in their slavery, but they continually murmured out & aggravated their oppressions one to another, & though they came to no violence, yet 'tis suspected it was more out of the hope they had that General George Monck, (who was then marching with his Army out of Scotland) should assert their Liberties, (which somewhat allayed the popular fury) then out of any fear or Cowardice.  
But in the mean time their expectations seemed utterly to fail them, for the Rump had by their industry so inveigled most of the Army from Lambert, that by their help they return and take their seats in the House and dissolve his Committee of Safety, commanded the Soldiers of his Army to repair to their appointed Quarters, & Order General Monck to bring up his Army to London, in all which they are punctually obeyed; Lambert's Shoulders deserting him, and General Monck according to their orders, marching up his Army quite through England.  
Yet the Nation had so great hopes of the Noble General, that in all his passage through England, he is courted with Addresses from the Gentry of every County, remonstrating the distractions they long had, and were still like to lie under, and entreating that he would be (as they hoped he'd prove) the Deliverer and saver of his Country; that to settle them in some way of Government, a Parliament might be called by the Free Votes of the people, that they might no longer be Governed by such Wolves, as only made a Prey of them, nor their Governors be subjected to the awe & force of an Exorbitant Army. To all these desires he returned answers, promising such things as might be for the good of the Nation.  
But being come to London (where he was received with a great deal of joy) he put the people almost quite out of hopes of him, nay rather into a fear, that in stead of proving their deliverer, he would be the means to enslave them; for by the commandment of the Rump, he enters the City with his whole Army, imprisons many of their Common Council, digs up their Posts, and breaks down their Gates, whilst the stupefied Citizens, having now fear added to their slavery, durst hardly murmur at it, but with sighs & nods bid adieu to their Liberty.  
Yet notwithstanding this violence, the Noble General revives their hopes, & retiring himself into the City, refusing to be subject to the Juncto's command, shortly after he admits those Members of the House of Commons which were in 1648. forceably excluded by the Army, (for having given their Votes that the King's Concessions at the Isle of Wight Treaty, were sufficient grounds for a Peace and settlement:) who having taken their places in the House, we had now got a step towards our ancient happiness, one of the three Estates of the Kingdom viz. the House of Commons, being permitted to sit freely, a thing not known to us in twelve precedent years. God of heaven of his mercy to these Nations, grant, that the other two may, in his due time, be admitted to the discharge of their power and trust, that these Nations once so famous under that Government, may no longer continue to be the scorn and derision of foreign Countries.  
And great hopes there is now that these Kingdoms may again return to be happy, since disloyalty (the first cause of their miseries and distractions) gins, blessed be God, every day to be depressed, and loyalty to flourish, many of those who formerly with a zealous fury broke their oath of Allegiance to their King, wishing now that they had a King to show allegiance to; & perceiving that all innovations of Government are not what some would have them seem to be, viz. ways to liberty & freedom, but mere baits of ambitious self-minded men, to hook in the people to slavery.  
But to return to his Majesty in Flanders; of whose jtenary life we have already given you a particular account: it will not be impertinent to say somewhat of his sedentary & retired Living, that by his Aeconomy we may judge of his Monarchy, and of the Government of those few subjects in his Family, of that of his three Kingdoms.  
His Majesty hath spent most of his time, wherein he hath been out of his Dominions in Flanders under the protection of the Catholic King of Spain; nor had he ever any where else so settled a Court and Habitation, as here, where his chief Attendants are the Lord Chancellor Hid, the Marquis of Ormond, the Earl of Norwich, the Lord Wentworth, the Lord Digby, and many other Nobles and Gentlemen, whose loyalty to his sacred Majesty & his Royal Father hath made exiles to their Country; a particular number of which he makes use of for his Council, doing nothing without serious & mature advice; and yet being of so sagatious a judgement, that whatever he says is seldom contradicted by the most Judicious of his Counsellors, not out of fear or flattery, but out of a real assent to, and concurrence with his judgement.  
And indeed those great opportunities which he hath had, by his so long being abroad, of diving into the great Counsels of Foreign Princes and States, must necessarily make him a person of a very perspicuous understanding, endow him with all those qualities which may deservedly attain the name of Great, and render him as well an able Statist, as a King; he having during his expulsion traveled through & lived in the Countries of three the most potent Princes in Christendom, viz. the emperor's of Germany, and the Kings of Spain and France; and so to the  resolution added the Spaniards prudence, and the Frenchman's expedition.  
To these extraordinary helps which never a Prince in Christendom can boast of, we may yet add, those more than ordinary gifts, wherewith nature hath been pleased to endow him, which being so extremely improved, we can hardly now discern; but that it may be known what they were, take the character of an Honourable Lord upon his death Bed, who speaking of him when about fiteen or sixteen Years of Age, hath these words: Truly I never saw greater hopes of virtue in any young Person then in him: Great Judgement, great understanding, strong apprehension, much of honour in his nature, & a very perfect Englishman in his inclinations. So that both nature & industry have seemed to use their utmost endeavours to make him a perfect Prince, his very affliction turning in this to his benefit, and making him in knowledge and sufferings (the Refiner of knowledge) unparallelled. Some foreign Princes as well envying, as pitying his expulsion.  
This perfect knowledge of his he hath indeed had but small occasion to practise, except a little in Scotland: where, I think, he demonstrated himself a person so prudent and careful in his affairs, that is beyond my Pen's expression.  
His Subjects good was his only care; nor did he ever act any thing but what might tend more to theirs then his own interest; still consulting whether it might benefit them, not himself.  
His Letter to Col. Mackworth Governor of Shrewsbury sufficiently demonstrates his affection to his very Enemies; he would win, not Conquer the Hearts of those who though they have broke their Allegiance to him, yet he would esteem still his subjects.  
He would not conquer with blood, lest he should be thought a Tyrant. He endeavours by fair means to attain the love of his Subjects, that (what ever his very enemies think of him) he may approve himself to be a just Prince.  
And did Fortune give him power, yet would he rather attempt Courtesy then Force. He knows that whilst he kills a Subject he weakens his Kingdom. Rebels themselves may be found useful; and though justice cannot, yet his Majesty's Clemency will admit their pardon; but if they resist to the utmost, their blood is on their own heads, what man is not willing to destroy him, who he knows would be his murderer.  
This is his justice and his Clemency mixed together; he would not Kill, where he might with safety save. Nor does his unspotted innocency raise fancies or fears in him. As he is guilty of nothing, so there's nothing he fears. Whilst he endeavours to be true to his subjects, those endeavours force a belief in him, that his subjects will be true to him.  
His very nature enclins him to a compassion. He pities those that will not pity themselves; and whilst they are conspiring his destruction, his prayers procure their safety. Nor can the utmost of their injuries provoke him to a retaliation. He hath learned not only of God, but of the King his father, to forgive his Enemies.  
Nor is it his desire to obtain his Kingdoms that makes him willing to forgive his Enemies, but his desire to forgive his Enemies that makes him willing to obtain his Kingdoms: he counts the possession of his Royalties but as a transitory dignity, the pardon of his Enemies a Divine and lasting one.  
Neither is his piety less than his Justice, they are both in the Superlative degree, he hates wickedness, not because the world should see him glory (that would make him an Hypocrite) but because God abhors it; 'tis Love not Fear makes him Religious, he Fears God, only because he Loves him.  
He hates not the Vicious, but abominates their Vices, his hatred extends not to persons, but to things; He dislikes not the Swearer, 'tis the Oaths he abhors, he hates not the Drunkard but his Drunkenness.  
Yet does his mercy extend beyond their sins, as he is a King so he is a God, he is gracious to pardon, as well as just to punish; nor can a remission or reformation but over take his remission.  
His constant service of God excites others to live by his example, he sleeps not without invoking the blessing of the Almighty, nor does his Eyes open without a returned thanks, he knows 'tis God alone which can restore & protect him: nor can the wickedness of Man preval against him.  
Nor does his public devotion show him less Zealous than his private, the one demonstrates him full of Zeal, the other void of Hypocrisy; he would have others holy as well as himself; he knows that saying concerns him, being a King, above all private Men, Non nobis solis nati sumus.  
Private persons are not alone born for themselves, much less Kings, the public concern is their duty: 'tis not enough for the Master of the house that he be Godly whilst his family is wicked. There must be Precept as well as Example: and if need be, correction as well as instruction.  
This makes his Majesty deservedly famous; he counts it as great a fault to suffer a sin in another whilst he hath power to correct it, as to commit it himself, he knows that what crime soever a Magistrate suffers willingly to be committed, he brings upon his own head.  
He is therefore above all things careful not to father vice, lest he should be accounted vicious: he detests that in another which did he commit, he knows he might justly detest himself for; and endeavours by Example to reform that in others which he knows were it in him, would seem odious to him.  
He abhors vice, as well because it is so, as because God abhors it: His nature inclines him to virtue, and as he cannot admit its contrary in himself, so he cannot endure it in another.  
His constancy in Religion is no less conspicuous than his piety. His discerning judgement knows what is truth, and that truth is followed by his settled will; Yet he hates not the Popish Religion, but their Idolatry; he abhors not them, but their false worship: He loves all that knows Christ at all, but wishes that they all might know him more.  
His steadfastness in Religion proceeds not from self-interest; he sticks not so much to be true to Protestants, because he knows the English to be addicted to that Religion; nor because he thinks it for his benefit; & because he imagines that it would prove very difficile to obtain his Crown & leave it. But because he knows it to be true.  
He knows the Prince is born for the people, as well as the people for the Prince. He knows their interests to be interwoven. He knows that without them he cannot stand; yet will he sooner lose them then relinquish verity.  
He is the perfect pattern of Piety, but more of Patience, his Afflictions have not made him repine, he knows God to be just: he believes that as God restored Job twofold, so will he likewise restore him his Kingdoms.  
Yet he thinks it just in God to suffer them to be detained from him.  
He Laments more his Subjects slavery then his own Exile, he grieus that they have been so long blind, yet rejoyses for their sakes that they have now a Glimmering; he constantly prays for the restoring of their sight, not so much because they should restore his, as their own Rights and Privileges.  
He is inwardly troubled and perplexed at the many Schisms, Sects, & Heresies that are raised in the Church of England, he is sorry that their rise is from some men's envy towards him; he pities, and his pity produces his prayers for them. He is willing that though they will not obey him, yet that they may serve God.  
He was never heard to curse his Enemies, many times to pray for them, and desire God to forgive even his Father's Murderers; his good will surpasses their cruelty: And whilst they are conspiring his Destruction, he is praying for their Salvation.  
He is a perfect Enemy to all Debauchedness, he is sorry those who pretend themselves his friends in England are so great a scandal to him: He wishes that they would so carry themselves, that he might adventure to own them as Friends; for he understands not the good will of those who drink his Health for the liquors sake, nor wishes for their help who over their Sack only swear they will fight for him. He is no greater a hater of vice than a cherisher of virtuous Actions, he loves them in his very Enemies, & often grieves when he finds occasion to think that many of them will rise up in judgement against his most pretended Friends,  
He is most exactly just in all his Commands and faithful in performance of all his promises Take the Character given him by the dying Marquis of Montrose. For his Majesty now living (saith he) Never people I believe may be more happy in a King, his Commands to me were most just, in nothing that he promiseth will he fail: He deals justly with all men etc. So punctual is he, that when a word is once gone out of his Mouth he will rather suffer by it then break it.  
To conclude, he is the pattern of Patience and Piety, the most Righteous and Justest of Kings. The most knowing & experienced of Princes. The Holiest and the best of Men. The severest punisher of Vice. The strictest rewarder of Virtue. The constantest preserver of Religion. And the truest lover of his Subjects.  
This is a short Character of his illustrious Majesty, which I fear those that know him will rather think to come short of then reach his due praise, so sweetly virtuous is he in all his Carriages, so affable in his discourse, so void of passion & anger, that he was never yet heard or seen in Choler, the utmost extent of any passion that ever was discerned in him, being towards one of his Menial Servants, who justifying himself in what he had done amiss, his Majesty with some motion told him that he was an insolent fellow.  
Yet this is that Prince whose virtues we have given leave to Foreign Nations to admire, whilst we ourselves have rested as well ignorant of his deserts, as destitute of our own Liberty, whilst either infatuated or blinded by those who have Tyrannically usurped Governments over us, we have been contented to sit still & see him Expulsed and exiled from his due Rights & Royalties, and ourselves from our Freedom & Privileges.  
Nor hath God alone been merciful to us in endowing his sacred Majesty with such Heroic Virtues, but he hath given us a stock of Noble Princes, who seem to Emulate Virtues in one another, and grow up like Royal Oaks to maintain the Honour and Glory of this Nation, but are yet and have a long time been the disgrace of it, all the Nations in Europe laughing at the English folly, who slight that happiness which they might enjoy.  
As for the illustrious Duke of York his Fame is spread so far over the World, that myself have heard the very Turks commend and applaud his Valour which was so esteemed among the French, that before he arrived at twenty one years of Age, he was by that King thought worthy the Command of Liu. General of his Armies, which he managed with such care & prudence, that seldom any affairs he took in hand, produced not its desired success; & since, his being in requital of his services, complemented out of that Kingdom of France, though he hath not had such eminent commands conferred on him by the Spaniard, yet have they always thought him worthy the highest employment and respect.  
As for the Duke of Gloucester, he is esteemed by most to be fit for a Counsellor then a Soldier: His Carriage is grave, & somewhat severe; of a Sagace Genius and understanding, and very much prying into State Affairs, which have made most judge him the fit for a Council board.  
These three Princes, are like three Diamonds or Pearls which we have ignorantly cast away, & not come to know the worth of them till we come to want them, Their virtues having made them resplendent throughout all the World, and rendered them, if we justly consider it, the only means whereby we can attain to happiness; for what Nation can be more blessed then that which hath for her Prince a just King to Govern, a Valiant Duke to Defend, and a Wise Counsellor to Advise.  
May the God of Heaven then open our Eyes and let us at length see our Error, and hearty repent of it, by calling our Native Sovereign to the possession of his due Rights, which the Divine Majesty (I hope) will be Graciously pleased to Grant.  
Thus far the History.  
March 1660.   

POSTSCRIPT  
WHen this admirable miraculous foregoing History came first out, (which contains so great wonders, that no former age can parralel, or future believe,) it may well without derogation from the author, be owned by a person of Quality: for so questionless he was, and a person of Honour, and loyal confidence; that at that time, before the dawning of our day of Liberty, or the arising of our long set Sun, which by its appearing inlightens, comforts, and refreshes these our Kingdoms, of England, Scotland, & Ireland, CHARLES the second defender of the faith etc. I say, much may well be attributed to his confident boldness, at that time to publish it, when to speak truth, reason, or loyalty, was accounted, Error, Treason, & dangerous.  
And although it be not so full as it might be, either for manner or Matter, in setting forth the worthy & deserved Praise of our most gracious Sovereign, (whose perfections whosoever shall undertake to describe, must needs fall short) and of his Miraculous escape; but that it may well be said of it, as the Queen of Sheba said of the Wisdom of Solomon etc. behold the half was not told of what she found, (though reported by fame, which seldom loses in the Progress) nor of the wonderful signal mercy to his Kingdoms and Subjects thereby, as is well expressed in the 107. psalm and the 43. Who so is wise may may understand these things, and such shall understand the loving kindness of the Lord.  
And truly I think never people had more cause, cheerfully & thankfully to acknowledge the goodness of God herein: and express it by their duty and obedience. The wiseman's advice its wisdom to take. Pro. 24. & 21.22. My Sonfear God and the King, & meddle not with them that be seditious, and desirous of change etc.  
Have we not been (ever since the sad Sacrifice of his sacred Majesty (who God has made a Saint, and they a Martyr) of most precious and blessed memory, who was Murdered by the pretended sword of Justce: & to say no more of it, was as horrid a crime as ever the Sun beheld) oppresed by high Courts of Injustice, and other arbitrary impositions, more than ever was done by coular of authority, in the reigns of all the KINGS since the CONQUEST.  
Did not the want of our King bring on us? Usurpation, Tyranny, Enmity, animosity, Poverty, and all Misery? All which will be removed, and to our comfort (if our sins and disobedience hinders not) we shall assuredly enjoy a Settlement of Religion, Law, Liberty, Property, Peace, Penty, Honour and Safety.  
Has not his singular wisdom discovered and directed a way, not only for discharging those large arrears (which before daily increased on us) to the Army and otherwise, which is in a short time done, but also for their disbanding in England; to free us thereby for the future, from those insupportable burdens.  
Read but his gracious General pardon, (before which who could justly say he was free) and see his unparaleld clemency: who to us Ariseth like the Sun of Righteousness with healing under his wings Mal. 4.2. And if ingratitude be the worst of crimes (as I think was never yet questioned) how inexcusable then in the Eyes of all the world shall such be, that after so great favour, shall either in thought, word, or deed, think, speak, or act any thing against him.  
Read but his Declaration concerning Ecclesiastical affairs; with what Religious care & caution has he framed it: to the Satisfaction of all interests that pretend to Religion, Reason or Civility, Provided they quietly conform to the Established Laws, and make not Religion (as some formerly did) a Match to give fire to Rebellion.  
Who knows not that in our unfortunate jnterregnum, the design of our hard-hearted taskmasters was to blind (if not put out) the Eyes of the three Kingdoms, by endeavouring to pillage those formerly famous Seminaries of Learning, and discourage it for the future, as if they had been of that judgement, that ignorance was the Mother of devotion.  
All which and much more that might justly be urged on this subject, must needs make us acknowledge, as it is in the forementioned psalm and that often as it is there, to Praise the Lord for his goodness in restoring him, & declare the wonders that he hath done for him, and the people of these Kingdones.  
I am sure we may justly say If God had not been on our side, we had been destroyed, but to him for ever be the praise; The snare is broken and we are delivered.  
Yet there are a sort of people in the world, and too many in this kingdom (the more is the pity) God grant there be none in England; the Epistle of Saint Judas, especially the 10. & 16. describs them: that through ignorance, misinformation, prejudice, or advantage, are ready to slander the footsteps of the LORDS anointed: who live in this dark corner of Ireland, and are ignorant of the worth of that happiness that is in the King, & to themselves thereby. I thought it therefore a necessary duty, having this History by me, to get it reprinted here for information: being as far from endeavouring to gain applause thereby, as I am uncapable of attaining it by any thing from myself: only that I may manifest the goodness of God, which is the duty of every Christian: and my loyalty, which is the duty of every Subject & good Christian, (though for these twelve years I have been a sufferer for it.) and inform those that yet know not so much as this manifests.  
To the Lord the only ruler of Princes, whose right hand and mighty arm hath done it, for ever be the praise: Yea let all the People praise thee O Lord for thy goodness to us, in restoring the light of our Eyes, the breath of our Nostrils, the Kings most excellent Majesty! the restoring of whom unto his Throne, must needs be acknowledged the hand of God, and if enough to convince an Atheist: & may evince to the World the validity of united and devout prayers, such as are enjoined with good authority by the Church of England, and are the very Marrow of the Scriptures: and where are not Scripture, are uncontroulably agreeing: composed by those that laid down their lives to maintain; and bequeathed as the best Legacy to their Wives and Children. And in a word, are those prayers for which our blessed Saviour will not refuse to be an intercessor: and which have so miraculously restored the defender of our Faith to his Throne: which no rational man alive but may well conclude, being (as I am confident they were) put up to the Throne of Grace, with pure & upright hearts, by the dutiful and obedient Sons of the Church.  
And therefore let all (but especially such,) never forget to return due praise for his mercies to us and to our King, and as it is there directed, yield praise and thanksgiving for our deliverance from those great and apparent dangers, where with we were encompassed: and to acknowledge it his goodness that we were not delivered over as a prey unto them: beseeching still his goodness and mercy to us, that all the World may know, that he is our Saviour and mighty Redeemer. And that all those that do confess his holy Name, may agree in the truth of his holy word, and live in unity and Godly love, & that under our Lawful King and governor we may be Godly and quietly governed.  
And for our most gracious Sovereign also let us pray, That he knowing whose Minister he is, may above all things seek his honour & glory: that so we his Subjects duly considering whose authority he hath, may honour and humbly obey him according to God's blessed word and Ordinance.  
And as it is directed by that Divine, Orthodox, ancient and best liturgy, of the Church of England, To keep and strengthen in the true worship of thee, in righteousness and holiness of life, thy Servant CHARLES. our most gracious KING and Governor.  
That it may please thee O Lord to rule his heart in thy faith fear and love, that he may ever more have affiance in thee, and ever seek thy honour and glory.  
That he may always incline to thy will and walk in thy way, Endue him plentyously with heavenly gifts, grant him in health & wealth long to live: strengthen him that he may Vanquish and over come all his Enemies; and finally after this life: he may attain everlasting joy and felicity, through jesus Christ our Lord.  
As for those who so barbarously acted in that horrid crime the Murder of his Sacred Majesty of blessed memory: they have had (at least some of them) the reward of Regicides. So let his Enemies perish O Lord, and all that rise up against him: But on his own head let his Crown flourish: Let his days be many and prosperous, and let all, (but especially those that are truly loyal,) find the Comfort of it.  
The unexpressable joy of all his Subjects, felt and declared at his return requires a Volume, and at this place cannot be informed: it being indeed beyond expression, God inclining the hearts of all his people, as some times all the Subjects of King David, the people of Juda, to bring home their King: 2. Sam. 19.14. Take one for all, a Copy of Verses presented with his own hand at his return to his Government: By that most Honourable and Heroic person, and renowned Champion of the English interest in Jreland (which Maugre all opposition, will eternize his fame to all posterity) The Lord Precedent of Munster, all that know him, know his excellency that way: it's enough to say they are his; and they follow as well worthy to conclude the History of his most excellent Majesty, whom God preserve.  
H: F: Cork 22. No: 1660.   

TO THE KING UPON HIS MAJESTY'S Happy Return.  

AS the Great World at first in Cbaos lay;  
Then darkness yielded to triumphant day;  
And all that wild and undigested Mass  
Did into Form, and to perfection pass:  
So, in our lesser World, Confusions were  
Many, and vast, as now our Blessings are.  
Our past, and present State fully express  
All we could bear, and all we would possess.  
Wonder not that your forces could not bring  
You to Your Crowns, nor us unto our King:  
Fate made therein this high design appear,  
Your Sword shall rule abroad, Your Virtues here.  
The lesser Conquest was to you denied  
That by the greater it might be suppyed.  
Nor think it strange that some so long have striven  
With that which they did most admire & love;  
Since all against their dissolution pray,  
Although to Heaven there is no other way.  
Like to Bethesdas' Pool, our Commonwealth  
Till it was troubled, could not give us health:  
You as the Angel, did our Waters stir,  
And from that motion we derive our Cure.  
The highest Blessing God to You does yield,  
He, His Anointed, as His Church does build:  
Nothing of noise did to perfection bring  
The greatest Temple, and the greatest King.  
Alike he builded both, that all night see,  
Your Kingdom, like his Church, shall endless be.  
As when Great Nature's Fabric was begun,  
Expanded Light made day, and not the Sun;  
But Light diffused was to perfection grown,  
When from one Planet, it contracted shone:  
So when our Government was formed to last  
But till the race of a few days was past,  
With Ruling Gifts GOD many did endue,  
But, now 'tis fixed, all those are placed in you.  
Your Banishment, which your Foes did design  
To cloud your virtues, made them brighter shine.  
Thus Persecution did but more dispense  
Throughout the World the Gospels' influence.  
Princes, who saw Your Sufferings, did esteem  
'Twas greater to subdue those griefs than them.  
And in that conquest found how they should far,  
If they provoked your Justice to a War.  
By Your Return, and by Your Foes pursuit,  
Europe Your Blossoms had, but we your Fruit.  
Our Senate does not for Conditions sue;  
We know we have our All, in having You:  
Your Mercy with our Crimes does nobly strive;  
And,  we ask forgiuness you forgive.  
Your Subjects thus doubly you now subdue,  
Both in the Manner, and the Action too.  
Your great Reception in our neighbouring State,  
Proves that on you depends their Country's fate:  
Your dreadful Fleet does on their Coast appear,  
Yet to their Joy, they yield up all their Fear;  
For knowing you, they know Heaven has resigned  
A Power unbounded to a bounded Mind.  
Triumphant Navy! Formerly your Fraight  
Consisting but of Laurel, or of Plate;  
But to your happy Country now you bring  
More than both Indies in our Matchless KING.  
Twice has the World been trusted in a Bark;  
The New, the Charles contained, the Old, the Ark,  
This bore but those who did the World rebuild,  
But that bore you, to whom that world must yield.  
The spacious sea, which does the Earth embrace,  
ne'er held so many Princes in one place;  
Princes whose Father still the Trident bore,  
As shall their Sons, till time shall be no more.  
Now whilst the Sea, your greatest subject, moves  
Slowly, as loath to part with what he loves;  
And whilst your Sails the calmed Air subdue;  
(For which he chides the winds, & thanks them too)  
I might present you with a Prospect here,  
Of that vast Empire to which now you Steer.  
But on that Theme my Numbers cannot stay;  
Copies to their Originals give way,  
For now your Fleet sees land, which many a peal  
Of thundering Cannon to the Shore does tell:  
And now your ravished Subjects see your Fleet,  
Which they with shouts, louder than Cannon greet;  
Two Suns at once our sights now etertain;  
One shines from Heaven the other from the Main.  
All Loyal Eyes are fixed on the East,  
For you more welcome than that daily Guest;  
While on the shore your longing Subjects stand,  
Subjects, as numberless as is the Sand;  
Subjects sufficient, if but led by You,  
All Countries you have lived in, to subdue.  
In Raptures now we our great Gen'ral see,  
Move faster to meet you then Victory:  
He at your Feet himself does prostrate now,  
To whom vast Fleets and Armies used to bow;  
And greater Satisfaction does express  
In This Submission, then in That Success.  
Your Royal Arms enwreathe him, which he more  
Does prize, than all those laurel wreaths he wore.  
Now all for his Victorious Troops make room,  
Which never but by Joy. were overcome:  
Loud shouts to heaven for your Return they send,  
Whilst low as earth their dreaded Ensigns bend;  
He leads them still to what exalts their Name;  
Now to their Duty, as before to Fame.  
Their Misled Courage, in a fatal Time,  
Had been too long their Glory and their Crime.  
Now they are truly Great, now truly live,  
Since this you Praise, and that you do forgive.  
Those, who so long could keep you from your due  
What can resist, now they are led by you?  
Your Great Example will their Model prove;  
Persuading soon, and willingly, as love.  
Such Fleets, & Armies, & our Charles their head,  
Are things which all the Universe may dread.  
And now you move, and now in all the Ways,  
Thick clouds of Subjects, clouds of dust do raise;  
Through which the world's chief city now you see,  
Great in Extent, greater in Loyalty;  
Their Cannon speak, their Streets the Soldier's line,  
And brightest beauties from their windows shine:  
Your Subjects Earthly Jove you now are grown;  
Thunder &  guard you to your Throne.  
Thus you triumph, whilst at your Palace Gates  
The highest earthly Senate for you waits:  
One Roof contains those which our laws do make,  
And him from whom the world their laws must take:  
Their knees do homage, whilst their Tongues confess,  
They in their duty find their happness,  
And Fame aloud, through every Region, sings,  
They are the best of Subjects you of Kings.  
The Royal throne so fully you Adorn,  
That now all praise what some before did scorn:  
A throne, which now the envious do confess,  
Our Safety urged your Merit to Possess.  
Where Caesar could no further Glory win,  
There is the Scene, where yours does but begin;  
By which indulgent Fate would have it known,  
Though his Success had end, Yours should have none?  
Or else that nothing worthy was of you,  
But what Great Julius wanted Power to do.  
Our fierce divisions made our Courage known,  
But more your wisdom shins, that makes us one;  
Which has so framed your Empire to endure,  
We need but prudent Foes to be secure.  
You might possess by Armies, and by Fleets,  
All where the Sun doth rise, or where he sets;  
But you a nobler Conquest have designed,  
The placing Limits to your Greater Mind:  
And may those highest titles never cease,  
A King of Greatest Power, and Greatest Peace.  
Of sufferings past let us no more Complain,  
Since you by them with greater Glory Reign;  
Till that we saw; your Subjects could not guests,  
Heaven had for them a Blessing above Peace.  
Nor can we tell which most in you to own,  
Either your Virtues or Extraction;  
Though never any was so Great and Good;  
It springs from Martyrs, as from Royal Blood:  
But your own Glories do so brightly shine,  
You need not borrow Luster from your Line.  
Yet we must say, since justly but your due,  
Though you our glories raise, they raisenot you:  
Like to the Royal Bird that climbs the Skies,  
You lesser seem still as you higher rise.  
Yourself you limit to a triple Throne,  
And all men's Wonder are, except your own.  
Now Sacred Peace & Justice cease to mourn,  
And both in you again to us return.  
Religion now shall flourish with your Crown,  
And the fierce sword yield to the peaceful gown.  
The Muses too so highly You esteem,  
That you are both their Influence & their Theme   
FINIS.